Site Plan for Permit in Chicago, IL: 24-Hour Residential Site Plans

Residential Chicago permit drawings

Planning an addition, detached garage, deck, porch, driveway, swimming pool or another exterior residential project in Chicago? Your permit package may need a survey and a clear site plan showing the lot, existing structures, proposed work, property-line distances, access and relevant site conditions.

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Quick answer

Chicago’s construction code requires a survey when applying to erect, add to or move a building or structure. Permit construction documents must also include a scaled site plan showing existing structures, proposed construction, distances to property lines, public-way grade and proposed finished grades. The site plan must be consistent with the required survey.

Example of a previously drafted Chicago residential site plan showing the lot, building footprint, dimensions, street location, scale and zoning-related calculations. Each permit application has different requirements.

Open the example plan in a separate tab

A residential site plan—also called a plot plan—shows the property from above. It explains where the proposed work will sit in relation to the legal lot, existing buildings, adjoining streets, public alleys, driveways and other relevant improvements.

The drawing can help reviewers understand:

  • Which property is being developed
  • What buildings and structures already exist
  • What construction is proposed
  • How large the project will be
  • How far it will be from property boundaries
  • Whether it affects a driveway, alley or parking area
  • Whether recorded easements affect the proposed location
  • How the project relates to grade and drainage
  • Whether the site plan agrees with the remaining permit drawings

A clear drawing cannot guarantee permit approval. It provides measurable site information that can be reviewed alongside the survey, architectural plans and other supporting documents.

Need a Residential Site Plan for Chicago?

Send us your property address, project dimensions, intended location, photographs and any existing survey or plat. We can organise the supplied property and project information into a clear residential site drawing.

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What Is a Site Plan for a Chicago Permit?

A site plan is a scaled overhead drawing showing the complete lot and the location of existing and proposed improvements.

It can identify:

  • Legal lot boundaries
  • Lot dimensions
  • The existing house or residential building
  • Existing garages and accessory structures
  • Decks, porches and exterior stairs
  • Driveways, parking areas and curb cuts
  • Public streets, sidewalks and alleys
  • Proposed construction
  • Distances to property lines
  • Recorded easements
  • Existing and proposed grades
  • Flood-control information when applicable
  • North arrow and drawing scale

The site plan is not the same as a floor plan. A floor plan shows rooms, walls, doors, windows and interior circulation. The site plan shows where the building and exterior improvements sit within the property.

Depending on the permit path, Chicago may also require:

  • Legal survey
  • Existing and proposed floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Building sections
  • Foundation plans
  • Structural details and calculations
  • Energy-code documents
  • Plumbing, electrical or mechanical information
  • Drawings signed and sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer

Read our complete Plot Plan for Permit guide for a broader explanation.

Chicago’s Survey Requirement

Section 14A-4-411.2 of the Chicago Municipal Code requires an applicant to submit a survey when applying for a permit for:

  • Erection of a building or structure
  • An addition to a building or structure
  • Moving a building or structure

The survey must show:

  • Dimensions of the lot
  • The proposed building position
  • The part of the building being added to
  • The position of other buildings on the lot
  • Ground-level measurements
  • Recorded easements on the subject lot
  • Recorded easements on immediately adjoining lots
  • The use or benefit associated with those easements

The building official may establish additional survey requirements according to the project.

Official source: Chicago Municipal Code 14A-4-411.2 — Survey .

Important service distinction

USA Site Plans provides drafting services using the property documents and project information supplied by the customer.

A drafted site plan does not independently locate or certify legal property boundaries and does not replace the survey required by Chicago. A required legal or boundary survey must be prepared by an appropriately licensed surveyor.

Chicago’s Site Plan Requirement

Section 14A-4-411.3.2 requires construction documents to include a scaled site plan showing:

  • The size of new construction
  • The location of new construction
  • The size and location of existing structures
  • Distances between structures and property lines
  • The established grade of the adjoining public way
  • Proposed finished grades
  • Applicable flood-control information

The site plan must be consistent with the survey submitted under Section 14A-4-411.2.

The building official may waive or modify the site-plan requirement for certain alteration or repair applications or when otherwise warranted.

Official source: Chicago Municipal Code 14A-4-411.3.2 — Site Plan .

Who Can Prepare the Permit Drawings?

The answer depends on the permit program and project scope.

Chicago’s current E-Plan drawing guidance states that plan-based building permit applications require drawings prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.

That requirement can apply to projects such as:

  • Home additions
  • New residential buildings
  • Substantial structural alterations
  • Complex decks or porches
  • Projects involving structural or code analysis

Some Express Permit Program applications have different drawing rules.

For example, Chicago’s current detached-frame-garage instructions say that the site plan for that qualifying permit pathway may be drawn by any responsible person. It must still be dimensioned, show the proposed garage location and agree with the other submitted documents.

A permission to prepare one site-plan sheet does not mean that every drawing in the permit package can be prepared without a licensed design professional.

Official sources: Chicago E-Plan — Create Drawings and Detached Frame Garage Permit Instructions .

What a Chicago Residential Site Plan Should Show

Property boundaries The complete legal lot and dimensions supported by the survey or other required property document.
Existing structures The house, garages, accessory buildings, decks, porches and other relevant improvements.
Proposed construction The full proposed footprint, dimensions, stairs, projections and related exterior work.
Property-line distances Measurable distances between structures and the front, side and rear lot lines.
Street and alley access Adjoining streets, public alleys, sidewalks, curb cuts, driveways and parking areas.
Easements Recorded utility, access or other easements identified on the required survey.
Grade information Adjoining-public-way grade and proposed finished grades where applicable.
Scale and orientation A clearly stated scale, north arrow, dimensions, labels and readable linework.

Property address and identification

Include:

  • Complete Chicago property address
  • Project title
  • Short scope description
  • Preparation or revision date
  • Property or parcel information when requested

The property address and project description should agree with the permit application, survey and other plan sheets.

Complete legal lot

Show the full property rather than only the area around the proposed work.

The plan should identify:

  • Front property line
  • Both side property lines
  • Rear property line
  • Angled or irregular lot-line segments
  • Available boundary dimensions
  • Adjoining street
  • Public alley where present

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

Existing buildings and improvements

Show the existing features that affect the proposed project.

  • Main residential building
  • Existing addition
  • Attached or detached garage
  • Carport
  • Shed or accessory structure
  • Deck, porch or balcony
  • Exterior stairs and landings
  • Swimming pool
  • Driveway and parking areas
  • Walkways and patios
  • Retaining walls
  • Fences and gates when relevant

Omitting an existing garage, deck or accessory building can affect yard, open-space, access and zoning calculations.

Proposed work

The proposed construction should be easy to distinguish from existing conditions.

Use:

  • A clear “PROPOSED” label
  • Different hatching
  • A heavier outline
  • A distinct line style
  • An existing-and-proposed legend

Show the full proposed footprint, including relevant:

  • Exterior walls
  • Foundations
  • Deck or porch platforms
  • Supporting posts
  • Stairs and landings
  • Roof or eave projections
  • Equipment pads
  • New paving
  • Structures proposed for removal

Project dimensions

Show the project’s overall length and width.

An irregular structure should include enough measurements to define the full proposed shape.

The dimensions should agree with:

  • Permit application
  • Floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Foundation plans
  • Structural drawings
  • Manufacturer or contractor drawings

Distances to property lines

Show measurable distances from the proposed project to the relevant:

  • Front property line
  • Left-side property line
  • Right-side property line
  • Rear property line
  • Street-side property line on a corner lot
  • Existing buildings
  • Accessory structures
  • Recorded easements

Use the shortest relevant distance. Do not expect the reviewer to estimate it using the drawing scale.

Public streets, sidewalks and alleys

Chicago lots frequently have rear public alleys that provide access to garages, parking areas, utilities and waste storage.

Show:

  • Street name
  • Public sidewalk
  • Public alley
  • Driveway or access route
  • Curb cut
  • Garage-door direction
  • Parking area
  • Fence gates when relevant

Grade and elevation information

Chicago’s construction code calls for the site plan to show:

  • Established grade of the adjoining public way
  • Proposed finished grades
  • Applicable flood-control information

Depending on the project, additional information may include:

  • Existing grade
  • Finished-floor elevation
  • Drainage direction
  • Retaining walls
  • Changes in ground elevation

Accurate field elevations or drainage design may require a licensed surveyor or engineer.

Chicago Zoning and Setbacks

There is no single setback requirement that applies to every Chicago residential project.

The controlling rules can depend on:

  • Zoning district
  • Building type
  • Detached house, two-flat or multi-unit configuration
  • Lot width and depth
  • Existing front-building alignment
  • Corner-lot conditions
  • Principal or accessory structure classification
  • Building height
  • Public alley relationship
  • Planned development or overlay regulations

Chicago’s Residential District regulations contain different front-, side- and rear-setback standards according to the zoning district and development type.

Other zoning measurements can include:

  • Floor area ratio
  • Rear-yard open space
  • Accessory-building size and placement
  • Building height
  • Parking and access

Use the City’s official Zoning and Land Use Map to identify the mapped zoning district. Map information is a research tool and should be confirmed when a formal zoning determination is needed.

Official sources: Chicago Zoning and Land Use Map and Chicago Zoning Ordinance 17-2-0300 — Residential Bulk and Density Standards .

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

Chicago Requirements for Common Residential Projects

Detached garage Garage footprint, lot-line distances, alley or driveway access, existing house and zoning dimensions.
Home addition Existing building, proposed footprint, survey information, yard dimensions and coordinated architectural plans.
Deck or porch Platform, stairs, height, connection to the building and distances to property lines.
Swimming pool Pool location, legal survey, equipment, barriers, structures and property-line distances.
Driveway or curb cut Entire site, existing and proposed access, parking, sidewalk, street and public-way work.
Fence or gate Alignment, height, street frontage, corner conditions, driveway visibility and property lines.
Patio or paving Existing and proposed paved area, lot layout, drainage and relationship to structures.
Accessory structure Footprint, dimensions, use, location, building separation and relevant zoning restrictions.

Detached garages

Chicago maintains an Express Permit Program pathway for qualifying detached frame garages.

The site plan may be drawn by a responsible person under that specific pathway, but it must:

  • Show the proposed garage location
  • Be clearly dimensioned
  • Agree with the garage plans
  • Show the property and relevant existing improvements
  • Use reliable survey information

A garage site plan may also show:

  • Public alley
  • Garage-door orientation
  • Existing driveway or parking pad
  • Distance to the house
  • Rear- and side-lot-line distances
  • Roof projections
  • Existing fences and gates

Eligibility for the Express Permit Program depends on the complete project and current program instructions.

Official source: Chicago Detached Frame Garage Instructions .

Home additions

A home addition requires more than a simple site sketch.

The permit package may need:

  • Required survey
  • Complete existing building footprint
  • Proposed addition footprint
  • Addition dimensions
  • Distances to lot lines
  • Existing and proposed grades
  • Floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Building sections
  • Foundation and structural plans
  • Drawings prepared by a licensed architect or structural engineer

The site plan should match the footprint shown on the architectural and foundation drawings.

Decks, porches and exterior stairs

The site plan may need to show:

  • Deck or porch footprint
  • Connection to the existing building
  • Stairs and landings
  • Supporting posts
  • Property-line distances
  • Public alley relationship
  • Nearby garages or accessory structures

Separate construction drawings may be needed for:

  • Footings
  • Posts
  • Beams and joists
  • Ledger connections
  • Stairs
  • Guards and handrails

Some limited repair work may qualify for a permit exemption, but additions, enlargements and structural alterations follow the applicable permit instructions.

Official source: Chicago Porch, Deck, Balcony or Fire-Escape Instructions .

Residential swimming pools

Chicago’s residential swimming-pool guidance calls for a site plan based on a legal survey.

The site plan may need to identify:

  • Lot lines
  • Existing buildings
  • Pool location
  • Property-line distances
  • Pool equipment
  • Decking or paved area
  • Required barriers and gates
  • Electrical-service information

Pool plans, sections, electrical documents and barrier details are separate from the basic site layout.

Official source: Chicago Guidance on Residential Swimming Pools .

Driveways, curb cuts and parking

A driveway or curb-cut application may require a dimensioned site plan drawn to scale.

The plan should commonly show:

  • The entire site
  • Existing driveway or curb cut
  • Proposed driveway or curb cut
  • Driveway width
  • Parking area
  • Garage entrance
  • Property boundaries
  • Public sidewalk
  • Street and curb
  • Existing access proposed for removal

Work in the public way follows Chicago Department of Transportation requirements in addition to any private-property zoning or building review.

Official source: Chicago Driveway Permit Overview and Policy .

Survey vs Site Plan vs Architectural Drawings

Licensed survey Documents the lot, property dimensions, existing buildings and recorded easements using professional surveying information. Chicago requires a survey for erection, additions and moving buildings or structures.
Site plan Shows how existing and proposed construction fits within the surveyed lot. It includes project dimensions, property-line distances, access, grades and other relevant site information.
Architectural or structural plans Explain how the project will be designed and built, including floor plans, elevations, foundations, framing, code information and structural details.

A drafted site plan does not replace:

  • Required legal survey
  • Architectural plans
  • Structural engineering
  • Professional seals
  • Drainage or grading engineering
  • Flood-control documents

A licensed surveyor may be needed when:

  • No reliable survey is available
  • The proposed work is close to a boundary
  • Property corners cannot be located
  • The lot is irregular
  • Existing documents conflict
  • Recorded easements need to be verified
  • Chicago requests updated survey information

Chicago’s Current Electronic Permit Process

Chicago’s online building-permit system is called E-Plan.

The process uses two connected systems:

  • Dynamic Portal: used to begin and manage the permit application
  • ProjectDox: used to upload drawings and documents and respond during plan review
1 Research the property Confirm zoning, lot information, permit history, survey availability and the correct project pathway.
2 Choose the permit program Determine whether the work qualifies for Express Permit review or requires a plan-based program.
3 Prepare the documents Assemble the application, survey, site plan, architectural plans and supporting information.
4 Start in Dynamic Portal Create the permit application using Chicago’s online building-permit platform.
5 Upload to ProjectDox Upload drawings and supporting documents using the required file names and formats.
6 Plan review Applicable building, zoning and other reviewers evaluate the permit documents.
7 Address comments Coordinate corrections across the site plan, survey and all affected plan sheets.
8 Upload revisions Submit the complete corrected documents according to the ProjectDox instructions.

The Standard Plan Review Permit Program is Chicago’s main process for applications requiring architectural plans. Eligible projects may use other permit pathways.

Official sources: Chicago E-Plan , Apply Through the Dynamic Portal , Upload Plans Through ProjectDox and Standard Plan Review Permit Program .

What to Send With Your Chicago Site Plan Order

  • Complete Chicago property address
  • Current legal survey
  • Previous survey or plat when relevant
  • Project description
  • Proposed project length and width
  • Proposed height when relevant
  • Preferred project location
  • Distances to nearby property lines
  • Existing and proposed floor plans
  • Exterior elevations when available
  • Contractor or manufacturer drawings
  • Photographs of the property
  • Photographs of the proposed work area
  • A hand sketch or marked survey
  • Garage, alley and parking information
  • Known easement information
  • Existing and proposed grade information when available
  • Permit comments already received

The site plan should be prepared from the survey and should remain consistent with the architectural and structural documents.

How Our Chicago Site Plan Drafting Service Works

  1. Place your order. Select the site-plan option matching the requested level of detail.
  2. Provide the property address. Confirm that the City of Chicago is the reviewing authority.
  3. Upload the survey. Provide the legal survey or other property document required for the permit.
  4. Describe the project. Include the proposed dimensions, use and scope.
  5. Mark the intended location. Send a sketch, architectural plans or a marked copy of the survey.
  6. Review the completed drawing. Check the proposed position, dimensions, labels and relationship to the survey.
  7. Coordinate the permit package. Obtain any architectural, structural, surveying or professional documents required by Chicago.

The accuracy and usefulness of the completed drawing depend on the accuracy of the survey, project plans, measurements, photographs and other information supplied.

Common Chicago Site Plan Problems

  • The required legal survey is missing
  • The site plan does not match the survey
  • Only part of the lot is shown
  • Lot dimensions are missing
  • An existing garage or accessory structure is omitted
  • The proposed work is not clearly labelled
  • Project dimensions are missing
  • Property-line distances are unclear
  • The public alley is omitted
  • Driveway, curb-cut or parking information is incomplete
  • Recorded easements are ignored
  • Existing and proposed grades are missing when required
  • The site plan conflicts with the floor plan
  • The garage dimensions differ between documents
  • The plan does not identify a scale
  • Text or dimensions are difficult to read
  • A drafted plan is submitted where licensed architectural or structural plans are required
  • Revised drawings do not address every review comment

A complete site plan cannot eliminate every review comment. It can reduce corrections caused by missing, unclear or inconsistent site information.

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits .

Chicago Residential Site Plan Checklist

  • Correct City of Chicago property address
  • Correct permit pathway identified
  • Required legal survey obtained
  • Complete lot shown
  • Lot dimensions included
  • Recorded easements identified
  • Existing residential building shown
  • Existing garages and accessory structures shown
  • Decks, porches and stairs shown
  • Driveway and parking shown
  • Public street labelled
  • Public alley shown when present
  • Proposed work clearly labelled
  • Project length and width included
  • Roof or eave projections shown when relevant
  • Front property-line distance shown
  • Both side property-line distances shown
  • Rear property-line distance shown
  • Distance to existing structures shown
  • Adjoining-public-way grade included when required
  • Proposed finished grades included when required
  • Flood-control information included when applicable
  • North arrow included
  • Drawing scale clearly stated
  • Text and dimensions are readable
  • Site plan agrees with the survey
  • Site plan agrees with the floor plans
  • Site plan agrees with the elevations
  • Licensed design-professional drawings obtained when required

Related Permit Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Chicago residential permit require a site plan?

No. The building official may waive or modify the site-plan requirement for certain alteration or repair applications. Projects involving new construction, additions, moved structures or exterior site changes are more likely to require one.

Does Chicago require a survey?

Chicago’s construction code requires a survey when applying to erect, add to or move a building or structure. The survey must show lot dimensions, building positions and recorded easements.

Can the site plan replace the survey?

No. The Chicago site plan must be consistent with the survey required by the construction code. The documents serve related but different purposes.

Can USA Site Plans prepare a legal survey?

No. USA Site Plans provides drafting services. A required legal or boundary survey must be prepared by an appropriately licensed land surveyor.

Can a homeowner draw a Chicago garage site plan?

Chicago’s current Express Permit instructions for a qualifying detached frame garage say the site plan may be drawn by any responsible person. It must still be dimensioned, accurate and consistent with the remaining documents.

Do addition plans require an architect or structural engineer?

Plan-based Chicago permit applications generally require drawings prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. Confirm the applicable permit pathway for the particular addition.

Does the public alley need to be shown?

It should be shown when it affects the project, garage access, parking, structure placement or other site conditions.

Can an old survey be used?

An existing survey may be useful when it accurately represents the legal lot and current improvements. Chicago or the project’s licensed professional may require updated survey information when site conditions have changed or the existing document is insufficient.

Does a Chicago pool application need a survey?

Chicago’s residential-pool guidance calls for a site plan based on a legal survey showing lot lines, buildings, pool placement and related information.

How are Chicago permit plans submitted?

The current E-Plan process begins through the Dynamic Portal. Drawings and supporting documents are then uploaded and reviewed through ProjectDox.

Are USA Site Plans drawings signed or sealed?

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

Will a Chicago site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. The Chicago Department of Buildings and other applicable departments control the review and may request revisions, a survey, licensed plans or additional supporting documents.

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Send us your Chicago property address, legal survey, project dimensions, proposed location, photographs and available building drawings. We will prepare a clear residential site drawing based on the supplied information.

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Official Chicago Resources

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning or permitting advice. Chicago requirements vary according to the property, zoning district, project scope, permit program, survey, public-way conditions and current regulations. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the City of Chicago or Chicago Department of Buildings. A drafted site plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a required survey, architectural plans, structural engineering or another professionally signed or sealed document. Confirm current requirements with the City and the licensed professionals responsible for the permit application.