Site Plan for Permit in Austin, TX | Residential Plans

An Austin residential site plan shows the property from above. It identifies the lot boundaries, existing buildings, proposed construction, dimensions, setbacks, driveways, easements, trees and other relevant site conditions.

Austin Development Services uses different application paths for projects such as new construction, additions, pools, uncovered decks, fences, garage conversions and minor repairs. The correct documents depend on the project scope, property zoning, environmental conditions and whether the site is within the City of Austin’s permitting jurisdiction.

Send us your address, survey or recorded plat if available, photographs, proposed project dimensions and a sketch showing the intended location. We can organise the available information into a clean residential site plan for your permit package.

What Is a Site Plan for an Austin Permit?

A residential site plan is a scaled or dimensioned drawing showing how a property is arranged.

It places the proposed project within the complete lot so the permit reviewer can understand how it relates to:

• Property boundaries
• The existing house
• Garages and accessory buildings
• Driveways and parking
• Required yards and setbacks
• Recorded easements
• Building coverage
• Impervious cover
• Regulated trees
• Drainage and floodplain conditions
• Streets, alleys and access

The terms site plan and plot plan are often used interchangeably for straightforward residential permit drawings.

For a general explanation, read our Site Plan for Permit guide .

Residential Site Drawing vs Formal Austin Site Plan Review

The phrase “site plan” can describe two different processes in Austin.

Residential permit site drawing

For many homeowners, a site plan is one drawing within a residential building-permit package.

This type of drawing may support:

• A new house
• A home addition
• An additional dwelling unit
• A garage or shed
• A pool or uncovered deck
• A carport or porch project
• A fence
• Another residential exterior improvement

Austin’s Residential Plan Review Division currently reviews new construction, additions, interior remodeling and demolition involving single-family houses, duplexes, two-family houses and additional buildings on one lot.

Formal site-plan permit

Austin also has a separate formal site-plan permitting process for larger or more complex development.

That process can require:

• A consolidated site-plan application
• An engineering report
• A signed and sealed engineer’s summary letter
• Traffic documentation
• Utility information
• Drainage and environmental information
• Multiple technical plan sheets
• Professional seals and certifications

A basic residential drafting service does not replace the civil engineering, surveying or other professional documentation required for a formal Austin site-plan application.

Official sources: Austin Residential Plan Review and Austin Formal Site Plan Requirements .

When Might an Austin Homeowner Need a Site Plan?

A site plan is commonly requested when proposed work changes the exterior layout, building footprint, access or developed area of the property.

Examples include:

• Building a new house
• Constructing a home addition
• Adding an additional dwelling unit
• Building a detached or attached garage
• Constructing a carport
• Building a shed or accessory structure
• Installing a swimming pool or spa
• Building an uncovered deck
• Adding a patio cover or pergola
• Enclosing a garage, carport or porch
• Constructing or replacing a regulated fence
• Widening or relocating a driveway
• Adding substantial paving
• Completing exterior work near regulated trees
• Developing property within a floodplain

Not every project follows the same application path. Austin publishes separate applications and web forms for new construction and additions, pools and uncovered decks, fences, garage or carport conversions, express permits and other residential work.

Official source: Austin Development Services — Residential Plan Review .

What Should an Austin Residential Site Plan Show?

The exact contents depend on the application and property. A residential permit site plan commonly includes the following information.

Property identification

• Complete property address
• Legal description when available
• Parcel identification information when requested
• Project title and description
• Preparation or revision date

Complete property boundaries

Show the complete lot rather than only the immediate project area.

The drawing may identify:

• Front property line
• Both side property lines
• Rear property line
• Street-side boundary on a corner lot
• Angled or curved lot-line sections
• Available boundary dimensions
• Adjoining streets and alleys

Do not automatically treat a fence, hedge, retaining wall or edge of paving as the legal property boundary.

Existing house and structures

Relevant existing improvements may include:

• Main dwelling
• Attached or detached garage
• Carport
• Shed or storage building
• Additional dwelling unit
• Deck or patio
• Patio cover or pergola
• Swimming pool or spa
• Pool equipment
• Driveway and parking area
• Walkways
• Retaining walls
• Fences and gates when relevant

Proposed construction

The proposed project should be clearly labelled and visually different from existing construction.

The drawing may need to show:

• Complete proposed footprint
• Overall length and width
• Connection to the house
• Stairs and landings
• Roof projections
• Supporting posts
• Equipment pads
• New paving
• Existing improvements proposed for removal

Setback dimensions

Show measurable distances from the proposed work to:

• Front property line
• Both side property lines
• Rear property line
• Street-side property line
• The existing house
• Other accessory structures
• Known easements

The applicable setback can depend on the zoning district, lot configuration, use, structure type, height, deed restrictions, overlays and previous approvals.

Read Setbacks and Zoning: How to Find the Rules for Your Property .

Driveways, alleys and access

• Existing and proposed driveways
• Driveway width
• Curb cuts
• Parking areas
• Garage or carport access
• Alleys
• Sidewalks
• Walkways
• Gates

Known easements

A structure can meet the zoning setbacks and still conflict with a recorded easement.

Common examples include:

• Utility easements
• Drainage easements
• Access easements
• Public utility easements
• Wastewater easements
• Rights of way

The applicable plat, deed and easement documents should be reviewed before finalising the project location.

North arrow and drawing scale

• North arrow
• Written drawing scale
• Graphic scale bar when helpful
• Street names
• Existing and proposed legend
• Readable dimensions and labels

Austin Zoning and Property Jurisdiction

Before preparing a permit package, confirm that the property is actually within the City of Austin’s permitting jurisdiction.

An Austin mailing address does not always mean the property is regulated by the City of Austin. Some properties can be within:

• Full-purpose City of Austin limits
• Limited-purpose jurisdiction
• Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction
• Unincorporated Travis County
• Another municipality
• Williamson County or Hays County

The responsible jurisdiction affects the application, zoning regulations, review process and required plan information.

Austin’s Property Profile and homeowner resources can help identify property jurisdiction, zoning, legal descriptions and permit information.

Official source: Austin Homeowner Permitting Resources .

Building Coverage and Impervious Cover

Austin residential applications may require building-coverage and impervious-cover calculations.

Building coverage generally concerns the portion of the lot occupied by buildings. Impervious cover is broader and can include surfaces that prevent or reduce water from soaking into the ground.

Depending on the applicable rules, impervious surfaces can include:

• Houses and additions
• Garages and carports
• Accessory buildings
• Driveways
• Parking areas
• Patios
• Walkways
• Swimming pools
• Decks or other constructed surfaces

A clear site plan helps identify the existing and proposed developed surfaces, but the allowed percentage must be confirmed for the specific zoning and property.

Austin currently provides a Building and Impervious Cover Calculation Aid with its residential forms and applications.

Official source: Austin Forms and Applications .

Protected Trees and Critical Root Zones

Trees can significantly affect where a residential project may be placed.

Austin’s current residential-tree guidance states that trees under 19 inches in diameter are not regulated through the residential Tree Ordinance Review Application process. Other permits and restrictions may still apply.

When regulated trees are on or near the project area, the plan may need to identify:

• Tree locations
• Tree trunk diameters
• Protected or heritage-tree status
• Critical root zones
• One-quarter and one-half critical root zones
• Proposed construction impacts
• Tree-protection fencing
• Areas of cut, fill or excavation

Austin’s current criteria state that no impacts are allowed within the inner quarter of the critical root zone. The guidance also limits cut or fill within the half critical root zone and requires part of the full critical root zone to remain protected.

A separate tree survey, arborist documentation or Tree Ordinance Review Application may be required.

Official source: Austin — Trees on Residential Property .

Floodplain and Drainage Conditions

Austin properties can be affected by floodplains, creeks, drainage easements, erosion hazards and other watershed conditions.

Austin Watershed Protection maintains floodplain maps and reviews applications to build or remodel in regulated floodplain areas.

Projects in or near a floodplain may require information beyond a basic residential site plan, including:

• Floodplain boundaries
• Regulatory flood elevations
• Existing and proposed building elevations
• Topographic information
• Drainage calculations
• Grading information
• Compensatory storage
• Safe pedestrian and vehicle access
• Licensed civil engineering

Austin currently regulates development using its designated regulatory floodplain while citywide Atlas 14 mapping updates continue.

Property owners can use the city’s FloodPro mapping system to investigate mapped floodplain and storm-drain information.

Official source: Austin Floodplain Management .

Other Austin Conditions That May Affect the Permit Package

Depending on the property, additional review may involve:

• Historic-district requirements
• Wildland-Urban Interface construction standards
• Deed restrictions
• Neighborhood-plan or overlay rules
• Creek buffers
• Erosion-hazard zones
• Drainage easements
• Utility clearances
• On-site wastewater systems
• Right-of-way work
• Street and driveway permits

These conditions may not change the basic purpose of the site plan, but they can change the full set of drawings and professional documents required for approval.

Austin Site Plan Requirements by Project Type

Home Addition and New Construction Site Plans

Austin currently uses its Residential New Construction and Addition application for new construction or additions involving single-family homes, duplexes, sheds and additional dwelling units.

A site plan for an addition or new residential building may need to show:

• The complete legal lot
• Existing buildings and structures
• The proposed construction footprint
• Overall project dimensions
• Front, side and rear setbacks
• Building separation
• Existing and proposed building coverage
• Existing and proposed impervious cover
• Driveways and parking areas
• Regulated trees and critical root zones
• Easements
• Floodplain or drainage information when applicable

Official source: Interactive Guide to the Residential New Construction and Addition Application .

Pool and Uncovered Deck Site Plans

Austin currently maintains a separate residential application for pools and uncovered decks.

A pool or uncovered-deck plan may identify:

• Pool, spa or deck footprint
• Overall dimensions
• Distance to property boundaries
• Distance to the house and accessory buildings
• Pool equipment
• Decking and paved areas
• Barriers and gates
• Recorded easements
• Regulated trees
• Building and impervious cover

Structural deck plans, pool engineering, electrical plans, plumbing plans or barrier details are separate documents when required.

Official source: Austin Pool and Uncovered Deck Application Guide .

Garages, Carports and Accessory Buildings

A garage, carport or accessory-building site plan commonly shows:

• Complete structure footprint
• Structure dimensions
• Distance to the property boundaries
• Distance to the main house
• Driveway access
• Parking arrangement
• Roof overhangs and supporting posts
• Existing and proposed paving
• Easements
• Building and impervious cover
• Regulated trees

A garage conversion or carport or porch enclosure follows a different application path from constructing a completely new detached structure.

When Austin Work May Be Exempt From a Building Permit

Austin currently lists several residential building-permit exemptions.

Examples include:

• A one-story detached accessory structure no larger than 200 square feet, no higher than 15 feet, without plumbing or a dwelling use, and outside a flood-hazard area
• A fence no higher than 7 feet, unless it is within a flood-hazard area or another specific permit condition applies
• A retaining wall no higher than 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing, when it does not support a surcharge and is outside a flood-hazard area

Permit exemption does not mean the project is exempt from zoning, setbacks, tree rules, deed restrictions, easements, floodplain regulations or other applicable ordinances.

Before relying on an exemption, review the full current list and the project-specific guidance.

Official source: Austin — Work Exempt From Building Permits .

Site Plan vs Boundary Survey

A drafted site plan and licensed boundary survey are different documents.

A licensed Texas surveyor may be needed when:

• Property boundaries are uncertain
• Property corners cannot be found
• The proposed work is very close to a lot line
• The lot is irregular
• Existing records conflict
• Certified elevations or contours are required
• There is a boundary dispute
• Austin specifically requests certified survey information

A remotely drafted site plan does not independently establish or certify the legal property boundaries.

What Information Should You Send With Your Order?

Complete source information helps produce a clearer and more useful drawing.

• Complete Austin property address
• Confirmation of the reviewing jurisdiction
• Project description
• Proposed length and width
• Proposed location
• Distances to nearby property lines
• Existing survey or recorded plat
• Previous approved site plan
• Photographs of the project area
• A hand sketch or marked aerial image
• Contractor or manufacturer drawings
• Known easements
• Tree information when relevant
• Permit-application checklist
• Any reviewer comments already received

How Our Austin Site Plan Service Works

1. Place your order. Select the plan option matching the requested level of detail.
2. Provide the address. Tell us which jurisdiction is reviewing the application.
3. Upload your documents. Send any survey, plat, old plan or correction notice available.
4. Describe the project. Provide the proposed dimensions and scope.
5. Mark the intended location. Send a sketch, photograph or marked aerial image.
6. Review the completed plan. Check the proposed location, labels and dimensions.
7. Request reasonable edits. Drawing changes can be made when a reviewer requests site-plan corrections.

The accuracy and usefulness of a remotely prepared site plan depend on the accuracy of the surveys, property records, photographs, measurements and project information provided.

Common Austin Site Plan Problems

• The property is outside the assumed permitting jurisdiction
• The complete lot is not shown
• Property lines are estimated from a fence
• Lot dimensions are missing
• The existing house is incomplete
• Accessory buildings are omitted
• The proposed work is not clearly labelled
• Project dimensions are missing
• Setback dimensions are unclear
• Building or impervious-cover information is incomplete
• Known easements are ignored
• Driveway or access information is missing
• Regulated trees and critical root zones are omitted
• Floodplain or drainage conditions are overlooked
• No north arrow or drawing scale is shown
• The site plan conflicts with floor plans or elevations
• A basic drafted plan is submitted where surveying or engineering is required

A complete drawing cannot eliminate every review comment, but it can reduce corrections caused by missing or unclear site information.

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits for additional examples.

Austin Site Plan Review Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a site plan for an Austin residential permit?

Many projects involving new buildings, additions, pools, uncovered decks, sheds and other exterior work require site information. The exact required drawings depend on the application and property.

Does every Austin project use the same application?

No. Austin currently uses separate application paths for new construction and additions, pools and uncovered decks, fences, garage or carport conversions, minor repairs and other residential projects.

Can an Austin site plan be prepared without visiting the property?

Many straightforward residential plans can be prepared remotely using an existing survey or plat, property information, aerial imagery, photographs and measurements supplied by the customer.

Can you show a proposed addition or detached structure?

Yes. Proposed work can be added when reliable dimensions, location information and suitable property records are provided.

Can you calculate Austin setbacks?

Available zoning and property information may help identify possible requirements, but Austin Development Services makes the final determination. Zoning, overlays, deed restrictions, easements and property-specific conditions can affect the required distances.

Do small sheds require a permit?

Austin currently exempts certain one-story detached accessory structures no larger than 200 square feet and no higher than 15 feet when they meet all listed conditions. Zoning, setbacks, tree and floodplain rules still apply.

Do I need a survey?

Not for every project. A licensed boundary survey may be required when the boundaries are uncertain, the project is close to a lot line or certified property information is requested.

Can the site plan show impervious cover?

The plan can identify existing and proposed buildings and paved surfaces used in the calculation. The final calculation and allowed percentage must follow the current Austin application and property regulations.

What if regulated trees are near the project?

The plan may need to show tree locations, trunk sizes, critical root zones and proposed impacts. Austin may also require a Tree Ordinance Review Application, tree survey or other supporting information.

Are your Austin plans stamped?

No. USA Site Plans provides residential drafting services. Licensed surveying, structural engineering, civil engineering, architecture, drainage design and professional seals must be obtained separately when required.

How quickly can an Austin site plan be completed?

Many straightforward weekday orders are completed within 24 hours after the required property and project information is received. Complex sites or incomplete source information may require additional time.

Will a site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. Austin Development Services and any other reviewing departments control approval and may request revisions, certified surveys, engineering or other supporting documentation.

Official Austin Resources

• Austin Development Services — Homeowner Permitting Resources
• Austin Development Services — Residential Plan Review
• Austin Development Services — Forms and Applications
• Austin — New Construction and Addition Application Guide
• Austin — Pool and Uncovered Deck Application Guide
• Austin — Trees on Residential Property
• Austin Watershed Protection — Floodplain Management
• Austin — Work Exempt From Building Permits
• Austin — Formal Site Plan Requirements

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, arboricultural, zoning or permitting advice. Requirements vary according to the property, jurisdiction, zoning, project scope, trees, easements, floodplain conditions and current City of Austin regulations. A drafted site plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a licensed survey, civil engineering, structural plans, drainage design or another professionally sealed document when required. Confirm current requirements with Austin Development Services and any other reviewing authority before submitting an application.