Site Plan for Permit in Miami, FL: Residential Permit Site Plans

Residential Miami permit drawings

Planning an addition, fence, driveway, pool, deck, patio, accessory structure or another exterior residential project in Miami, Florida? Your permit package may need a clear site plan showing the property, existing improvements, proposed work, dimensions and relevant site conditions.

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Quick answer

A City of Miami residential site plan commonly shows the legal lot, existing structures, proposed work, dimensions, property-line distances, access and relevant right-of-way conditions. The exact requirements depend on the project. Fence and driveway applications have specific survey and site-plan requirements, while additions, pools, historic properties and other work can require additional professional documents.

Miami Florida residential permit site plan showing property boundaries existing structures proposed work dimensions driveway and site conditions
Example of a previously drafted Miami residential site plan showing the property layout, existing structures, proposed work and dimensions. Requirements vary by property and project.

A residential site plan—also commonly called a plot plan—is an overhead drawing showing how existing and proposed improvements fit within the complete property.

It can help City reviewers understand:

  • Which property is being developed
  • What buildings and improvements already exist
  • What construction is proposed
  • The proposed project’s dimensions and location
  • Distances to property boundaries and other structures
  • Whether a driveway or fence affects the public right-of-way
  • Whether recorded easements affect the proposed location
  • Whether historic, tree, zoning or Public Works review applies
  • Whether the site plan agrees with the survey and other permit drawings

A clear site plan cannot guarantee permit approval. It gives the reviewing departments measurable information about the property and proposed project.

Need a Residential Site Plan for Miami?

Send us your property address, project dimensions, intended location, photographs and any survey, sketch, contractor drawing or permit comments you have. We can organize the supplied information into a clear residential site drawing.

Order Your Site Plan View the Site Plan Checklist

First, Confirm That the Property Is in the City of Miami

A Miami mailing address does not necessarily mean that the City of Miami will review the permit.

Properties described as being in Miami can fall under:

  • City of Miami
  • Unincorporated Miami-Dade County
  • Miami Beach
  • Coral Gables
  • North Miami
  • Hialeah
  • Miami Gardens
  • Another nearby municipality

Each authority can use different applications, zoning regulations, surveys, permit portals and drawing standards.

The City instructs applicants to verify the project address through its GIS property-search tool. If the address does not appear in the City search, another jurisdiction may control the permit.

Official source: City of Miami — Verify the Project Location .

What Is a Miami Residential Permit Site Plan?

A site plan is a scaled and dimensioned drawing of a property as viewed from above.

It commonly identifies:

  • Property address
  • Folio or parcel information
  • Legal description when required
  • Complete property boundaries
  • Lot dimensions
  • The existing house
  • Garages and accessory structures
  • Decks, patios and covered areas
  • Swimming pools and equipment
  • Driveways, walkways and parking
  • Proposed construction
  • Distances to property lines
  • Distances between structures
  • Base Building Line when required
  • Right-of-way conditions when relevant
  • Recorded easements
  • North arrow and drawing scale

The site plan is only one part of the permit package.

Depending on the project, the City may also request:

  • Current boundary survey
  • Architectural floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Foundation and framing drawings
  • Structural calculations
  • Florida product approvals
  • Drainage or grading plans
  • Landscape or tree information
  • Historic-preservation documents
  • Plans signed and sealed by licensed professionals

For a broader explanation, read our Plot Plan for Permit guide .

Projects That May Need a Miami Site Plan

Home additions Rear additions, side additions, expanded rooms, attached garages and other projects changing the house footprint.
Fences and walls New fences, replacement fences, gates, masonry walls and street-facing enclosures.
Driveways and paving New driveways, widened access, driveway flares, parking areas, pavers and other hardscape.
Pools and spas Pool footprints, decking, equipment, barriers, gates and surrounding improvements.
Decks and patios Raised decks, patios, exterior stairs, landings, pergolas and covered outdoor areas.
Accessory structures Sheds, detached garages, carports, pool houses, gazebos and other detached improvements.
Historic-property work Pools, paving, landscaping, decks, fences, walls, gates and hedges at designated properties.
Public right-of-way work Driveway connections, sidewalks, curbs, utility work and other construction affecting public property.

Florida requires permits for many construction, repair and remodeling projects, including new buildings, home expansions and work involving structural, electrical, plumbing or gas systems.

Official source: City of Miami — Guide to Getting a Permit .

What a Miami Residential Site Plan Should Show

Complete legal lot The full property and all available boundary dimensions.
Existing conditions The house, garages, pools, patios, paving and other relevant improvements.
Proposed work The complete proposed footprint, dimensions and associated exterior improvements.
Property-line distances Measurable distances from proposed construction to relevant boundaries.
Access Driveways, gates, sidewalks, streets, curbs and parking areas.
Right-of-way features Trees, poles, hydrants, meters, guy wires, sidewalks, curbs and gutters when relevant.
Restrictions Easements, Base Building Lines, visibility triangles and special review areas.
Scale and orientation North arrow, drawing scale, dimensions, labels and readable linework.

Property address and folio information

Include:

  • Complete project address
  • Folio number when required
  • Legal description when required
  • Project title
  • Brief scope description
  • Drawing or revision date

The property information should agree with the permit application, survey and remaining plan sheets.

Complete property boundaries

Show:

  • Front property line
  • Left-side property line
  • Right-side property line
  • Rear property line
  • Street-side line on a corner lot
  • Angled or irregular boundary segments
  • Available boundary dimensions
  • Adjoining streets

Do not automatically treat a fence, hedge, wall, driveway edge or online parcel outline as the legal property boundary.

Existing buildings and site improvements

Show the existing conditions that affect the project.

  • Main dwelling
  • Existing additions
  • Attached and detached garages
  • Carports
  • Sheds and accessory buildings
  • Decks and patios
  • Covered porches
  • Swimming pools and spas
  • Pool equipment
  • Driveways and parking
  • Walkways
  • Fences, gates and walls when relevant

Omitting an existing improvement can affect setbacks, lot coverage, access and the available location for the proposed work.

Proposed project footprint

Clearly identify the proposed construction.

Use:

  • A clear “PROPOSED” label
  • A different hatch pattern
  • A heavier outline
  • A distinct line style
  • An existing-and-proposed legend

Show the complete footprint, including relevant:

  • Exterior walls
  • Supporting posts
  • Deck or patio areas
  • Stairs and landings
  • Roof projections
  • Pool-equipment pads
  • New driveway or paving
  • Structures proposed for removal

Project dimensions

Show the proposed project’s complete length and width.

Irregular improvements should include enough dimensions to define their full shape.

The site-plan dimensions should agree with:

  • Permit application
  • Foundation plan
  • Floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Structural drawings
  • Contractor or manufacturer plans

Distances to property lines

Show measurable distances from the proposed work to:

  • Front property line
  • Both side property lines
  • Rear property line
  • Street-side boundary on a corner lot
  • Base Building Line when applicable
  • Known easements

Use the shortest relevant distance rather than expecting the reviewer to estimate it from the drawing scale.

Distance between structures

Show the separation between the proposed project and relevant existing buildings.

This may include the distance to:

  • Main house
  • Detached garage
  • Carport
  • Shed
  • Pool equipment
  • Other accessory structures

North arrow, scale and labels

Include:

  • North arrow
  • Written drawing scale
  • Graphic scale bar when useful
  • Clearly identified measurement units
  • Readable dimensions
  • Existing and proposed labels
  • A legend for line types and symbols

Miami 21 Zoning and Project Placement

The City of Miami uses the Miami 21 zoning code.

Miami 21 establishes standards and procedures for development and redevelopment. Its official zoning atlas assigns a Transect Zone to land within the City.

The property’s Transect Zone and other regulations can affect:

  • Permitted uses
  • Building placement
  • Required setbacks
  • Building height
  • Lot coverage
  • Parking and access
  • Fence and wall placement
  • Accessory structures
  • Special permits

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

The required location can depend on:

  • Transect Zone
  • Structure type
  • Building height
  • Lot configuration
  • Corner-lot conditions
  • Base Building Line
  • Recorded easements
  • Historic designation
  • Previous approvals or special permits

Use the actual property zoning and project-specific rules before finalizing the proposed location.

Official source: City of Miami — Miami 21 Zoning Code .

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

Site Plan vs Survey vs Construction Plans

Drafted site plan Organizes available surveys, property records, photographs and project information into a clear permit-focused property layout.
Licensed property survey Uses legal records and professional field measurements to locate or document property boundaries, improvements and other certified information.
Architectural or engineering plans Explain how the project will be designed and constructed, including foundations, framing, elevations, structural calculations and technical details.

A drafted site plan does not independently establish legal property boundaries.

A Florida-licensed surveyor may be needed when:

  • The permit checklist requires a current survey
  • No reliable property survey is available
  • Property corners cannot be located
  • The project is close to a boundary
  • The lot has an irregular shape
  • Existing records conflict
  • Certified elevations are needed
  • The City requests signed and sealed property information

Important service distinction

USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Our standard site plans are not boundary surveys and are not signed or sealed by a Florida-licensed surveyor, architect or engineer.

Miami Fence Site Plan Requirements

The City requires a permit for residential and commercial fences.

The current fence-permit instructions require:

  • A recent site survey
  • The survey to be prepared by a certified surveyor
  • The survey to be no more than one year old
  • The survey to be drawn to scale
  • A site plan showing the proposed fence relative to buildings and property lines
  • Fence-design details
  • Fence height
  • Fence material and type
  • Fence location

A fence site plan should generally show:

  • Complete property boundaries
  • Existing house and accessory structures
  • Complete proposed fence route
  • Pedestrian gates
  • Driveway gates
  • Street and sidewalk
  • Existing driveway
  • Property-line relationship
  • Fence height and material
  • Visibility triangle where a driveway is present

Residential fences higher than six feet are routed for structural review under the City’s current guidance.

The site plan does not replace the current survey or any structural details required for the proposed fence or wall.

Official source: City of Miami — Get a Fence Permit .

Miami Driveway Site Plan Requirements

Miami’s standalone driveway checklist is especially detailed because driveway work can affect private property and the public right-of-way.

The checklist requires:

  • A survey less than one year old
  • A separate site plan

The survey and site plan must show matching:

  • Legal description
  • Boundary dimensions
  • Base Building Line
  • Distance to the street centerline
  • Right-of-way conditions

Relevant right-of-way conditions can include:

  • Trees
  • Utility poles
  • Guy wires
  • Fire hydrants
  • Curbs and gutters
  • Sidewalks
  • Meter boxes
  • Existing fences

The driveway site plan must also show:

  • Proposed driveway location
  • Distance from the driveway edge to the side property line
  • Driveway width
  • Driveway length
  • Driveway flares and their dimensions
  • Visibility triangle
  • Relevant Public Works standard details

The checklist currently identifies the following review criteria:

  • The driveway edge must be at least five feet from the side property line.
  • The driveway width must generally be between 10 and 40 feet.
  • The specified sidewalk and vehicular-ramp slope limits must be met.

These figures come from the current standalone-driveway checklist and do not replace property-specific review or other applicable regulations.

A marked-up boundary survey may sometimes be accepted as the site-plan sheet. When used, it must be submitted in addition to an unmarked survey.

Official source: City of Miami — Standalone Driveway Permit Checklist .

Home Addition Site Plans

A home addition changes the footprint or exterior configuration of the principal dwelling.

A useful addition site plan commonly shows:

  • Complete existing house footprint
  • Proposed addition footprint
  • Addition length and width
  • Roof projections when relevant
  • Distances to property boundaries
  • Distance to garages or accessory structures
  • Driveway and parking
  • Existing and proposed paving
  • Known easements
  • Base Building Line when applicable

Separate permit documents may be required for:

  • Floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Foundation design
  • Structural framing
  • Energy compliance
  • Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work
  • Drainage or grading

The site plan should agree with the project dimensions shown on every other drawing.

Pool and Spa Site Plans

A pool or spa site plan may need to show:

  • Existing house
  • Proposed pool or spa footprint
  • Pool dimensions
  • Pool deck and paving
  • Equipment location
  • Distances to property lines
  • Existing accessory structures
  • Safety barrier and gates
  • Known utility and drainage easements
  • Trees affected by the work

Separate structural, plumbing, electrical, barrier and equipment documents may also be required.

A basic drafted site plan does not replace a survey or professional pool plans when the City requires them.

Deck, Patio and Outdoor-Area Site Plans

A deck, patio or covered outdoor-area site plan may identify:

  • Complete project footprint
  • Connection to the existing house
  • Supporting posts
  • Stairs and landings
  • Roofed or covered areas
  • Distances to property boundaries
  • Distance to other buildings
  • Existing and proposed paving
  • Driveway and pedestrian access
  • Known easements

Raised, covered or structurally connected projects may require separate foundation, framing and structural details.

Accessory Structure Site Plans

A site plan for a shed, detached garage, carport, gazebo, pool house or similar improvement may need to show:

  • Structure footprint
  • Length and width
  • Proposed height when relevant
  • Roof projections
  • Property-line distances
  • Distance to the main house
  • Driveway or vehicle access
  • Existing accessory buildings
  • Easements
  • Utilities
  • Existing and proposed paving

The property’s Miami 21 Transect Zone and project type determine the applicable placement and use rules.

Historically Designated Properties

Exterior work at a historically designated property can require a Certificate of Appropriateness.

The City’s current standard Certificate of Appropriateness instructions request a site plan showing existing and proposed features for work involving:

  • Swimming pools
  • Paving
  • Landscaping
  • Decks
  • Fences
  • Walls
  • Gates
  • Hedges

Other documents may include:

  • Floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Landscape plan
  • Materials page
  • Photographs
  • Fence, wall or gate details
  • Tree survey when trees or landscaping are removed

Check historic status before completing the final design or beginning work.

Official source: City of Miami — Standard Certificate of Appropriateness .

Public Right-of-Way and Public Works Review

Some residential work affects both private property and the public right-of-way.

This can include:

  • Driveway approaches
  • Sidewalk construction
  • Curb and gutter work
  • Utility installations
  • Tree or utility-pole relocation
  • Work requiring temporary closure of public space

Building-permit applications generally begin through iBuild. Public Works and right-of-way applications use the City’s iPW system.

The site plan should clearly distinguish:

  • Private property boundary
  • Base Building Line
  • Public sidewalk
  • Curb and gutter
  • Street pavement
  • Driveway flare
  • Right-of-way trees and utilities

Official source: City of Miami — Public Works Permitting .

Current Miami Electronic Permit Process

The City uses several connected digital systems.

  • iBuild: Building-permit applications and permit management
  • iPW: Public Works and right-of-way applications
  • ProjectDox: Uploading and reviewing plans and supporting documents
1 Confirm the jurisdiction Verify that the property is inside the City of Miami.
2 Research the property Check the folio, Transect Zone, survey, historic status, easements and right-of-way conditions.
3 Choose the permit type Use the application and checklist matching the actual project.
4 Prepare the documents Complete the site plan and any required survey, architectural, structural or Public Works documents.
5 Apply through the correct portal Start a building application through iBuild or a Public Works application through iPW.
6 Upload to ProjectDox Upload each drawing and document using the required naming and file rules.
7 Review comments Use ProjectDox to view markups, reviewer comments and requested corrections.
8 Submit coordinated revisions Update the site plan and every other affected drawing before resubmitting.

Official sources: City of Miami — iBuild and Understanding ePlan and ProjectDox .

Miami Electronic Drawing and File Requirements

Miami uses detailed file standards for ProjectDox submissions.

Current requirements include:

  • PDF format
  • Each drawing page uploaded as a separate file
  • Supporting documents may contain multiple pages
  • Uppercase file names
  • No spaces or prohibited special characters
  • Landscape orientation for drawing files
  • No encryption or password protection
  • Consistent file names when uploading revisions
  • Index pages for drawings and documents

The City places a batch stamp in the upper-right corner of each drawing page.

Leave the following blank areas:

  • Two inches by two inches on an 8.5-by-11-inch sheet
  • Three inches by three inches on an 11-by-17-inch sheet
  • Four-and-one-half inches by four-and-one-half inches on larger listed drawing sheets

Improperly named or formatted drawings may be returned during prescreen.

Official sources: Submit Plans and Documents Electronically and Standard Naming Convention .

What to Send With Your Miami Site Plan Order

  • Complete City of Miami property address
  • Folio number when available
  • Project description
  • Proposed project length and width
  • Proposed height when relevant
  • Preferred location within the property
  • Current or existing property survey
  • Recorded subdivision plat
  • Previous approved site plan
  • Architectural or contractor drawings
  • Manufacturer plans when applicable
  • A marked survey or hand sketch
  • Distances to nearby property lines
  • Distances to existing buildings
  • Photographs of the complete property
  • Photographs of the proposed work area
  • Driveway, sidewalk and right-of-way information
  • Known easement information
  • Historic-property information when applicable
  • Permit comments already received

Complete source information helps reduce uncertainty while the drawing is being prepared.

How Our Miami 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 Miami is the reviewing authority.
  3. Upload the property documents. Send any survey, plat, prior plan or permit comments.
  4. Describe the proposed project. Include its dimensions, height, use and basic scope.
  5. Mark the intended location. Send a sketch, marked survey, photographs or construction drawings.
  6. Review the completed draft. Check the project location, measurements, labels and relationship to the survey.
  7. Confirm the complete permit package. Obtain any separate survey, architecture, engineering, historic or Public Works documents required by the City.

The usefulness and accuracy of the drawing depend on the surveys, records, dimensions, photographs and project information supplied.

USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Standard drawings are not signed or sealed by a Florida-licensed surveyor, architect or engineer.

Common Miami Site Plan Problems

  • The property is outside City of Miami limits
  • A required current survey is missing
  • The site plan does not match the survey
  • Only the immediate project area is shown
  • Boundary dimensions are missing
  • A fence is assumed to be the legal property line
  • Existing structures are omitted
  • The proposed work is not clearly labeled
  • Project dimensions are incomplete
  • Property-line distances are unclear
  • The Base Building Line is missing when required
  • The street-centerline distance is omitted
  • Right-of-way conditions are not shown
  • Driveway dimensions or flares are missing
  • The visibility triangle is omitted
  • Fence height, material or gate locations are unclear
  • Historic-property review is overlooked
  • The site plan conflicts with construction drawings
  • Drawing files use incorrect names
  • Multiple drawing sheets are combined into one file
  • The City-stamp area is not left blank
  • An unsigned drawing is used where professional certification is required

A complete drawing cannot eliminate every review comment, but it can help reviewers understand the submitted property and project information.

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits and What Permit Reviewers Check First .

Miami Residential Site Plan Checklist

  • City of Miami jurisdiction confirmed
  • Correct property address
  • Folio information included when required
  • Legal description included when required
  • Current survey obtained when required
  • Complete property boundaries shown
  • Boundary dimensions included
  • Existing house shown
  • Garages and accessory structures shown
  • Decks, patios and pools shown
  • Driveway and parking shown
  • Proposed work clearly labeled
  • Project length and width included
  • Front property-line distance shown
  • Both side property-line distances shown
  • Rear property-line distance shown
  • Distance between structures shown
  • Base Building Line shown when required
  • Street-centerline distance shown when required
  • Right-of-way conditions shown when required
  • Driveway dimensions and flares shown when applicable
  • Visibility triangle shown when applicable
  • Fence location, height and materials shown when applicable
  • Known easements shown
  • Historic status reviewed
  • North arrow included
  • Drawing scale identified
  • Existing and proposed work visually distinguished
  • Site plan agrees with the survey
  • Site plan agrees with the construction drawings
  • Each drawing sheet prepared as a separate PDF
  • File naming convention followed
  • Upper-right batch-stamp area left blank
  • Licensed professional plans obtained when required

Related Permit Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Miami residential permit require a site plan?

No. The required documents depend on the project. Exterior work involving additions, fences, driveways, pools, decks, paving and accessory structures is more likely to require site information.

Does a Miami fence permit require a survey?

Yes. The City’s current fence instructions require a recent scaled site survey prepared by a certified surveyor. The survey may not be more than one year old.

Does a Miami driveway permit require a survey?

The standalone-driveway checklist requires a survey less than one year old and a separate site plan with matching legal, boundary and right-of-way information.

Can a marked-up survey be used as the driveway site plan?

The current checklist says a boundary survey marked with the proposed driveway may be accepted as the site plan in some cases. It must still be submitted along with an unmarked copy of the survey.

What is the Base Building Line?

The Base Building Line is a Miami property and right-of-way reference used for certain zoning and Public Works measurements. It is specifically required on the survey and site plan under the City’s standalone-driveway checklist.

Do I need to show a visibility triangle?

It is required for a standalone driveway application. Fence projects also need to respect applicable driveway-visibility requirements.

Can an existing survey be used?

It depends on the permit type and age of the document. Fence and standalone-driveway applications currently require surveys no more than one year old.

Can a drafted site plan establish legal property boundaries?

No. A drafted site plan uses available survey and property information but does not independently locate or certify legal boundaries.

How are Miami building plans submitted?

Building applications begin through iBuild. Drawing sheets and documents are uploaded to ProjectDox using the City’s file-naming and formatting rules.

Can several drawing sheets be uploaded in one PDF?

No. Miami requires each drawing page to be uploaded as a separate file. Supporting documents may contain multiple pages.

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 a Miami site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. The City of Miami and other participating departments control the permit decision and may request corrections, a current survey, engineering, architectural plans or additional supporting documents.

Order Your Miami Residential Site Plan

Send us your Miami property address, proposed project dimensions, intended location, photographs and any survey, sketch or construction drawing you have. We will prepare a clear residential site drawing based on the information supplied.

Order Your Miami Site Plan View Pricing

Official City of Miami Resources

  1. Guide to Getting a Permit
  2. City of Miami Building Department
  3. Get a Fence Permit
  4. Standalone Driveway Permit Checklist
  5. Miami 21 Zoning Code
  6. Standard Certificate of Appropriateness
  7. iBuild Portal
  8. Public Works Permitting
  9. Understanding ePlan and ProjectDox
  10. Submit Plans and Documents Electronically
  11. Standard Naming Convention
  12. Permitting Forms and Documents

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, historic-preservation, zoning or permitting advice. Miami requirements vary according to the property, jurisdiction, Transect Zone, project type, survey, right-of-way conditions, easements, historic status and current regulations. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the City of Miami or Miami-Dade County. A drafted site plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a licensed survey, architectural plans, engineering or another professionally certified document when required. Confirm current requirements with the authority reviewing the application.