USA Site Plans
Residential permit drawing guide
Use this site plan checklist to review property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, dimensions, setbacks, easements, access and other information commonly requested during residential permit review.
Order Your Site Plan Services by State Permit Site Plan GuideCities and counties use different submission requirements. This guide covers information commonly requested on residential site plans, but the current checklist issued by the authority reviewing your project always controls.
A site plan should help the reviewer understand the complete property and the proposed project without having to guess what the drawing means.
A permit application may be returned for corrections when the drawing does not clearly show the property boundaries, existing improvements, proposed construction, dimensions or relationship to regulated areas.
A strong site plan commonly answers the following questions:
- Which property is being developed?
- What buildings and improvements already exist?
- What work is proposed?
- How large is the project?
- Where will it be located?
- How far is it from the property boundaries?
- Does it affect an easement, driveway, utility or drainage area?
- Does the drawing match the other permit documents?
A clear site plan cannot guarantee permit approval. The project itself must comply with the applicable zoning, building, environmental and property-development requirements.
Need a Clear Residential Site Plan?
Send us your property address, proposed project dimensions, intended location, photographs and any survey, plat or permit comments you have. We can organise the supplied information into a clear residential site drawing.
Order Your Site Plan View PricingWhy Building Departments Request Site Plans
A site plan shows how the proposed project fits within the property.
The reviewing authority may use it to evaluate:
- Property identification
- Project placement
- Required setbacks
- Building separation
- Lot or building coverage
- Impervious area
- Vehicle and pedestrian access
- Parking
- Recorded easements
- Utilities
- Drainage and grading
- Trees and environmental features
- Floodplain conditions
Not every project requires every item on this list.
A straightforward backyard shed on a level property may need less information than a large addition on a sloping floodplain lot. A driveway may require public right-of-way details that are irrelevant to a deck application.
Review the project-specific checklist rather than relying only on a general list.
For a closer look at the first-pass review process, read What Permit Reviewers Check First on a Site Plan .
Quick Site Plan Checklist
Complete Site Plan Checklist for Permit Approval
1. Correct Property Address
Identify the complete property address directly on the drawing.
The address should match:
- Permit application
- Property records
- Survey or recorded plat
- Floor plans and elevations
- Other supporting documents
An incorrect or incomplete address can cause the drawing to be associated with the wrong parcel or application.
2. Parcel, Lot or Legal-Description Information
Some jurisdictions request additional property identification, such as:
- Parcel identification number
- Tax account number
- Lot and block
- Subdivision name
- Legal description
- Folio number
The applicable permit form or submission checklist will normally identify which information is required.
3. Complete Property Boundaries
Show the full legal property rather than only the immediate project area.
The drawing should identify:
- Front property line
- Left-side property line
- Right-side property line
- Rear property line
- Street-side line on a corner lot
- Angled or curved boundary segments
A partial backyard sketch may not provide enough information for zoning, coverage, access or corner-lot review.
4. Property-Line Dimensions
Include the available length of each property-line segment.
Boundary information may come from:
- Licensed boundary survey
- Recorded subdivision plat
- Previous approved permit plan
- House-location survey
- Official property documents
A fence, hedge, wall, driveway edge or online parcel outline should not automatically be treated as the legal property boundary.
A licensed surveyor may be needed when the boundary is uncertain or certified accuracy is required.
5. Existing House or Principal Building
Show the complete footprint of the existing house or principal building.
Relevant details can include:
- Exterior walls
- Attached garage
- Covered porch
- Existing addition
- Bay windows or projections
- Eaves and roof overhangs when relevant
The proposed project must be understandable in relation to the existing building.
6. Existing Accessory Structures
Show existing detached improvements that may affect the proposed layout.
These may include:
- Detached garage
- Carport
- Shed
- Workshop
- Gazebo
- Pool house
- Accessory dwelling unit
- Other outbuildings
An omitted structure can affect building separation, accessory-structure coverage and the available buildable area.
7. Existing Exterior Improvements
Show relevant exterior improvements, including:
- Decks and porches
- Patios
- Swimming pools and spas
- Pool equipment
- Driveways
- Parking areas
- Walkways
- Retaining walls
- Fences and gates
These features can affect coverage, access, drainage and project placement.
8. Proposed Project Footprint
Clearly show the complete outline of the proposed work.
Depending on the project, the footprint may include:
- Exterior walls
- Deck platform
- Covered area
- Supporting posts
- Stairs and landings
- Roof projections
- Pool equipment pad
- New paving
The proposed work should be visually distinct from existing conditions.
Useful methods include:
- A clear “PROPOSED” label
- Different hatching
- Heavier outline
- Different line style
- An existing-and-proposed legend
9. Proposed Project Dimensions
Show the project’s overall length and width.
Irregular projects should include enough dimensions to define the complete shape.
Site-plan dimensions should agree with:
- Permit application
- Floor plans
- Foundation plans
- Exterior elevations
- Structural drawings
- Manufacturer or contractor plans
Conflicting project dimensions can result in a correction request.
10. Setback Measurements
Show the shortest relevant distance from the proposed project to:
- Front property line
- Left-side property line
- Right-side property line
- Rear property line
- Street-side boundary on a corner lot
The drawing should show the actual proposed distances, not merely a generic setback line.
Required setbacks can vary according to:
- Zoning district
- Project type
- Building height
- Lot configuration
- Corner-lot status
- Overlay district
- Recorded building lines
- Previous land-use approvals
Read Setbacks and Zoning: How to Find the Rules for Your Property and Property Setbacks Explained for Homeowners .
11. Distance Between Buildings
Show the distance between the proposed project and relevant existing structures.
This may include the distance to:
- Main house
- Detached garage
- Shed
- Carport
- Accessory dwelling unit
- Other proposed or existing structures
Building separation can affect fire resistance, access, zoning and structure classification.
12. Street, Alley and Right-of-Way
Identify the public ways adjoining the property.
Show:
- Street names
- Public alley
- Right-of-way boundary when required
- Sidewalk
- Curb
- Drive approach
Projects extending into a public right-of-way may require a separate transportation, engineering or public works permit.
13. Driveways, Parking and Vehicle Access
Show existing and proposed vehicle-access features.
These may include:
- Driveway
- Driveway width
- Parking spaces
- Parking pad
- Garage entrance
- Vehicle-turning area
- Alley access
- Driveway gates
This information is particularly important for garages, carports, additions, driveway projects and accessory dwellings.
14. Pedestrian Access
Some projects need clear pedestrian-access information.
The drawing may show:
- Walkway to the primary entrance
- Walkway to an accessory dwelling
- Exterior stairs
- Landings
- Gates
- Accessible route when required
Access requirements depend on the project and applicable code.
15. Easements and Restricted Areas
Show known areas that can restrict construction.
These may include:
- Utility easements
- Drainage easements
- Sewer easements
- Access easements
- Shared-driveway easements
- Conservation easements
- Recorded building lines
- Riparian or environmental buffers
A project can satisfy its zoning setback and still conflict with an easement.
Do not assume that construction inside an easement is allowed because the project is small.
16. Utilities and On-Site Systems
Utility information may be required when the proposed work affects or approaches existing services.
The site plan may need to identify:
- Water line or meter
- Sanitary sewer
- Sewer cleanout
- Gas service
- Electrical service
- Overhead utility lines
- Septic tank
- Drain field
- Private well
- Stormwater facilities
Pools, additions, garages and accessory dwellings are more likely to require utility information.
17. Lot Coverage or Impervious-Area Information
Some jurisdictions limit the amount of the property covered by buildings, paving or other impervious surfaces.
The required calculation may include:
- Total lot area
- Existing house footprint
- Existing accessory-building area
- Proposed project area
- Driveways and parking
- Patios and walkways
- Pools and pool decks
- Other paved or covered areas
The reviewing authority’s definitions determine what must be included.
A project can satisfy its setbacks and still exceed an applicable coverage limit.
18. Drainage, Grading and Elevation Information
Additional site information may be needed when the project:
- Changes existing ground elevations
- Adds a large roof or paved area
- Is located on a slope
- Includes a retaining wall
- Affects a drainage easement
- Changes the direction of surface runoff
- Is in or near a floodplain
The permit package may require:
- Existing and proposed elevations
- Contour lines
- Drainage arrows
- Cut-and-fill information
- Finished-floor elevation
- Swales
- Stormwater facilities
- Erosion-control measures
A basic site plan does not replace grading, drainage, civil or floodplain engineering when technical design is required.
19. North Arrow and Drawing Scale
A site plan should be orientable and measurable.
It commonly includes:
- North arrow
- Written drawing scale
- Graphic scale bar when useful
- Clearly identified measurement units
- Readable dimensions
A graphic scale can remain useful when a PDF is resized during printing.
20. Clear Labels, Notes and Drawing Coordination
The finished drawing should be easy to understand.
Clearly label:
- Property lines
- Existing structures
- Proposed structures
- Structures proposed for removal
- Driveways and parking
- Streets and alleys
- Easements
- Setback measurements
- Utilities and drainage features
The site plan should also agree with:
- Permit application
- Floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Foundation plans
- Structural drawings
- Manufacturer plans
The complete permit package should describe one consistent project.
Items Required Only for Certain Properties
Some site-plan requirements are triggered by the property rather than the project type.
Additional information may be needed for:
- Floodplain properties
- Waterfront properties
- Steep or landslide-prone sites
- Wetlands and environmental buffers
- Historic districts
- Corner lots
- Private well or septic properties
- Properties containing protected trees
- Lots with multiple easements
- Properties affected by previous zoning approvals
These conditions can require a licensed surveyor, engineer, architect, arborist or another qualified professional.
Site Plan Checklist by Project Type
Site Plan, Survey and Construction Drawings Are Different
| Document | Primary purpose |
|---|---|
| Drafted site plan | Shows how existing and proposed improvements fit within the property using available records and supplied information. |
| Licensed survey | Uses professional field measurements and legal records to locate or document boundaries, corners, elevations or other certified information. |
| Construction drawings | Explain how the project will be built, including floor plans, foundations, framing, elevations and structural details. |
| Engineering plan | Provides professional design or calculations for structural, grading, drainage, geotechnical or other technical conditions. |
A drafted site plan does not independently establish legal property boundaries.
A licensed survey may be needed when:
- Property corners cannot be located
- The project is close to a property line
- The lot is irregular
- Available documents conflict
- Certified elevations are required
- The permit checklist expressly requires a survey
- There is a boundary dispute
How to Review Your Site Plan Before Submission
- Confirm the reviewing jurisdiction. A mailing address may be served by a city, county, town or another authority.
- Find the current permit checklist. Use the checklist matching the actual project type.
- Verify the property documents. Compare the drawing with the survey, plat and legal description.
- Check every dimension. Confirm the project size, property-line distances and building separation.
- Compare every plan sheet. Make sure the site plan agrees with the floor plans, elevations and foundation plans.
- Review the restrictions. Check zoning, easements, floodplain, trees, drainage and other property conditions.
- Inspect the final PDF. Confirm that the text, dimensions and linework remain readable at the submitted sheet size.
For more information about drawing clarity, read Site Plan Design for Permit Applications .
Common Site Plan Mistakes
- Showing only part of the property
- Using a fence as the legal property line
- Leaving out an existing structure
- Failing to label the proposed project
- Omitting the proposed dimensions
- Missing property-line distances
- Using different dimensions on different drawings
- Ignoring a recorded easement
- Leaving out the driveway or public alley
- Not showing roof projections
- Missing lot-coverage information
- Omitting drainage or elevation information when required
- Submitting unreadable text or linework
- Using a drafted plan where a licensed survey is required
Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits for a detailed explanation of common correction notices.
Printable Pre-Submission Checklist
- Correct reviewing jurisdiction confirmed
- Current project-specific checklist reviewed
- Correct property address
- Parcel or legal-description information included when required
- Complete legal lot shown
- Property-line dimensions included
- Existing house shown
- Accessory structures shown
- Decks, patios, pools and other improvements shown
- Driveway and parking shown
- Proposed work clearly labelled
- Project length and width included
- Roof projections shown when relevant
- Front property-line distance shown
- Both side property-line distances shown
- Rear property-line distance shown
- Distance between buildings shown
- Street and alley labelled
- Pedestrian and vehicle access shown
- Known easements shown
- Utilities shown when required
- Coverage calculations included when required
- Drainage and grading included when required
- Floodplain information included when required
- Trees and environmental features shown when required
- North arrow included
- Drawing scale identified
- Labels and dimensions are readable
- Site plan agrees with every other drawing
- Surveying or professional plans obtained when required
Find Site Plan Guidance by State
Site-plan requirements vary across states and local jurisdictions.
Some permit offices accept a basic dimensioned plot plan for certain residential projects. Others require a current survey, certified elevations, drainage calculations, tree information, engineering or professionally signed and sealed plans.
Browse our Site Plan Services by State hub to find location-specific information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a permit site plan include?
A residential site plan commonly includes the property boundaries, existing structures, proposed project, dimensions, distances to property lines, streets, access, known easements, north arrow and drawing scale. Additional information depends on the project and jurisdiction.
Does every permit require the same site plan checklist?
No. Requirements vary by city, county, zoning district, property and project type. Always use the current checklist issued by the authority reviewing the application.
Does a site plan have to show the complete property?
Many permit authorities expect the complete lot to be shown because project placement, setbacks, coverage, access and other conditions can depend on the full property layout.
Do existing sheds and garages need to be shown?
Relevant existing structures should generally be included. They can affect building separation, coverage, access and the available area for new construction.
Do I need to show every setback?
Show the distances relevant to the proposed project and applicable review. This commonly includes front, rear and both side property-line distances.
Can I use a fence as the property line?
Not automatically. Fences can be offset from the legal boundary. Use reliable survey or plat information and obtain a licensed survey when boundary accuracy is required.
Does the site plan need to be drawn to scale?
Many jurisdictions require a scaled drawing. Others may accept a fully dimensioned plan for certain minor projects. Follow the applicable local checklist.
Do easements need to be shown?
Known easements should be shown when they affect the property or proposed project. The reviewing authority may request the recorded easement document or a licensed survey.
Do I need a survey?
Possibly. A survey may be required when boundaries are uncertain, the project is close to a property line, certified elevations are needed or the permit checklist specifically requires professionally verified information.
Can I draw a site plan myself?
Some jurisdictions allow homeowners or other responsible parties to prepare site plans for certain residential projects. The drawing must still contain the required information. Surveying, engineering and licensed design services must be obtained separately when required.
Are USA Site Plans drawings signed or sealed?
No. USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Licensed surveying, architecture, engineering and professional seals must be obtained separately when required.
Will completing this checklist guarantee permit approval?
No. Approval depends on the project, property, applicable regulations and complete permit package. The reviewing authority may request corrections or additional supporting documents.
Order Your Residential Site Plan
Send us your property address, project dimensions, intended location, photographs and any survey, plat or permit comments you have. We will prepare a clear residential site drawing based on the supplied information.
Order Your Site Plan Browse Services by StateDisclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning or permitting advice. Site-plan requirements vary by jurisdiction, property and project. USA Site Plans provides drafting services and does not independently establish legal property boundaries. A drafted site plan does not replace a licensed survey, engineering, architecture or another professionally certified document when required. Confirm current requirements with the authority reviewing your application.