USA Site Plans
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Planning a new home, room addition, deck, porch, garage, shed or other residential project in Greensboro? Your permit application may need a scaled site plan showing exactly where the proposed work will be located on the property.
A good site plan gives permit reviewers a clear view of the entire lot. It helps them check zoning setbacks, building placement, property access and possible conflicts with easements or other site restrictions before construction begins.
The City of Greensboro states that site-plan review is required for new residences, additions extending outside the existing residence footprint and detached accessory structures. This can include decks, porches, garages, sheds, carports, elevated patios and newly roofed areas.[1]
Residential projects that commonly need a site plan
Greensboro generally requires a site plan when a project covers new ground or expands the developed footprint of the property. Common examples include:
- Construction of a new single-family home, duplex or townhome
- A room addition extending beyond the existing house footprint
- A new attached or detached garage
- A detached storage building, workshop, studio, shed or carport
- A new deck, covered porch or screened porch
- A roof added over an existing patio, porch or deck
- An elevated patio supported by foundation or retaining walls
- A swimming pool, pool house or similar outdoor improvement
Need a Site Plan for Your Greensboro Permit?
Send us your property address and project details. We prepare clear residential site plans for additions, decks, garages, sheds, pools and other permit projects.
Greensboro’s homeowner guidance says a building permit is needed whenever a project covers new ground, including projects such as decks, additions, accessory buildings, garages and pools. Applicants must upload a site plan drawn to scale.[2]
What should a Greensboro residential site plan show?
The exact information required can depend on your zoning district, lot conditions and project type. However, a clear residential site plan should normally identify the following eight items.
Property boundaries
Show the approximate shape of the parcel, boundary lines and available lot dimensions. These establish the area in which the project must fit.
Existing improvements
Identify the existing house, garage, driveway, porches, decks, sheds, walkways and other relevant improvements already on the property.
Proposed construction
Clearly distinguish the proposed project from existing structures and label its overall width, length and intended use.
Distances to property lines
Dimension the shortest distances between the proposed structure and the front, rear and side property boundaries.
Street and property access
Label the adjoining street, driveway, curb cuts, sidewalks and other access areas that may be affected by the project.
Easements and rights-of-way
Show known utility, drainage, access or other recorded easements so the proposed work is not unintentionally placed within a restricted area.
Site constraints
Note relevant drainage areas, streams, flood zones, watershed restrictions, retaining walls or other conditions that could affect review.
Scale and drawing information
Include a drawing scale, north arrow, property address, project description and enough measurements for reviewers to understand the proposal.
Why property setbacks matter
A setback is the minimum required distance between a structure and a property line, street or other regulated feature. The applicable distance is not necessarily the same for every Greensboro home.
Greensboro’s zoning districts regulate matters such as permitted uses, building size, setbacks and parking. The City’s Land Development Ordinance includes zoning dimensional requirements and other development standards.[3]
A proposed building may physically fit within the yard but still fail zoning review if it crosses a setback, occupies an easement, extends into a required yard or conflicts with an overlay or environmental restriction. Showing accurate project-to-boundary distances lets the Planning Department evaluate these issues more efficiently.
City of Greensboro or Guilford County?
A Greensboro mailing address does not always mean the property is inside Greensboro’s municipal limits. Confirm the permitting jurisdiction before preparing or submitting your application.
| Property location | Likely permitting authority |
|---|---|
| Inside Greensboro city limits | City of Greensboro Development Services |
| Unincorporated Guilford County | Guilford County Inspections Department |
| Inside another town or municipality | The applicable town, county or contracted inspection department |
Guilford County states that its Inspections Department provides permitting, plan review and building inspections for unincorporated areas of the county, as well as certain municipalities through contractual agreements.[4]
How the Greensboro permit process generally works
-
Confirm the jurisdiction and zoning.
Verify that the property is inside Greensboro and determine the zoning district and any special site restrictions. -
Define the proposed project.
Record the structure’s dimensions, intended use and proposed location. Measure its distance from relevant property lines and existing buildings. -
Prepare a site plan drawn to scale.
The drawing should clearly show existing conditions, proposed construction, dimensions and the site information needed for zoning review. -
Submit the application and plans.
Greensboro uses an electronic plan-review system to upload plans, communicate with staff, monitor review and retrieve approved documents.[5] -
Respond to review comments.
Planning or building staff may request corrected dimensions, additional information or revised project placement. -
Obtain the permit before beginning work.
Approved construction may also require scheduled inspections and separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits when those trades are involved.
How long can residential plan review take?
Greensboro lists a review period of at least five business days for certain limited residential reviews. Full residential reviews are listed at approximately 10 to 14 business days, depending in part on Planning Department approval of the site plan.[1]
These are general review estimates rather than guaranteed approval dates. An incomplete site plan, incorrect project dimensions or unresolved zoning issue can lead to comments and resubmittals.
Common site-plan problems that can delay approval
- The drawing is not prepared at a measurable scale.
- The proposed structure is not clearly distinguished from existing buildings.
- Distances from the project to the property boundaries are missing.
- The structure’s overall width or length is not labeled.
- A known easement or right-of-way is omitted.
- The drawing uses an outdated project location or dimensions.
- The site plan does not match the building plans or permit application.
- The applicant submits to the City when the property is actually under County jurisdiction.
Can an aerial-based site plan be used?
For many straightforward residential projects, an aerial-based site plan can provide a clear and cost-effective permit drawing. It can show the parcel, existing improvements, proposed project, setbacks, labels and key dimensions in an easy-to-review format.
An aerial-based plan is not the same as a boundary survey. A licensed survey may still be necessary when property corners are uncertain, boundaries are disputed, construction will be very close to a setback or easement, or the City specifically requires surveyed information.
Need a Site Plan for Your Greensboro Permit?
Send us your property address and project details. We prepare clear residential site plans for additions, decks, garages, sheds, pools and other permit projects.
Frequently asked questions
Does every home improvement project require a site plan?
No. A site plan is generally associated with work affecting the exterior footprint or covering new ground. A strictly interior renovation may not require one, although construction plans and trade permits may still be needed.
Does Greensboro require a site plan for a deck?
A new deck extending outside the existing residence footprint is among the additions for which Greensboro requires residential site-plan review.
Do sheds and detached garages need a site plan?
Detached accessory structures are included in Greensboro’s residential site-plan review requirements. The extent of the accompanying building plans may depend on the structure’s size, design and intended use.
Are Greensboro setbacks the same for every house?
No. Setbacks can vary by zoning district, lot type, project type, overlays and property-specific restrictions. Confirm the applicable standards before finalizing the proposed location.
Can I draw the site plan myself?
Some homeowners prepare their own plans, but the drawing must still be accurate, drawn to scale and clear enough for review. Professional preparation can reduce missing dimensions and confusing site information.
Is a site plan the same as a land survey?
No. A site plan illustrates existing and proposed improvements for planning or permit review. A boundary survey is prepared by a licensed surveyor to professionally establish property boundaries and related legal information.
Official sources
Permit and zoning requirements can change and may vary by property. Confirm current, project-specific requirements with the City of Greensboro Planning Department or Development Services before beginning construction. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the City of Greensboro.
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