Site Plan for Permit in Orlando, FL | Fast Site Plans

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

It can help Orlando reviewers understand:

• Which property is involved
• What buildings and exterior improvements already exist
• What work is proposed
• The dimensions and intended location of the project
• Distances to property boundaries
• Distances between buildings and other improvements
• Driveway, street, sidewalk and alley relationships
• Whether an easement affects the proposal
• Whether impervious area, drainage or grading review applies
• Whether trees or exterior equipment affect the layout
• Whether the site plan agrees with the construction drawings

A clear drawing cannot guarantee permit approval. It provides measurable site information for review by the City and any other participating agencies.

First, Confirm the Property Is Inside Orlando City Limits

An address containing “Orlando” does not necessarily mean the property is inside the City of Orlando.

The property may instead be located in:

• Unincorporated Orange County
• Winter Park
• Edgewood
• Belle Isle
• Maitland
• Ocoee
• Another nearby municipality

This distinction controls:

• Which government issues the permit
• Which permit forms apply
• Which zoning regulations control the project
• Which online submission system is used
• Which fees and inspections apply
• What must appear on the site plan

Use the City’s address-checking tool before preparing the final application.

Official resource: City of Orlando — Check Your Address .

What Is an Orlando Permit Site Plan?

A permit site plan is a scaled drawing of the property viewed from above.

It commonly identifies:

• Property address
• Legal description when required
• Complete property boundaries
• Lot-line dimensions
• Adjacent streets and alleys
• Existing house
• Garages, carports and accessory structures
• Decks, porches, patios and pools
• Driveways, parking and walkways
• Proposed construction
• Project dimensions
• Property-line distances
• Distances between improvements
• Known easements
• Mechanical and pool equipment
• Roof overhangs and projections
• Existing trees
• North arrow and scale
• Impervious-surface calculations when required

A site plan is not the same as a floor plan.

A floor plan shows:

• Rooms
• Interior and exterior walls
• Doors and windows
• Plumbing fixtures
• Interior dimensions
• Building layout

A site plan shows where that building or improvement is located within the property.

The full permit package may also require:

• Foundation plans
• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Framing plans
• Structural calculations
• Energy calculations
• Product approvals
• Equipment specifications
• Electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical documents
• Grading or drainage plans
• Professionally signed and sealed drawings

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

Current Orlando Site Plan Requirements

For residential construction and additions, Orlando’s current permitting guidance lists a site plan or survey among the required documents.

Depending on the project, it may need to show:

The City identifies the following among its most common reasons for residential disapproval:

• Site plan or survey not included
• Site plan or survey not dimensioned
• Air-conditioning-unit location not shown
• Plans missing required professional signatures and seals
• Revisions submitted without a narrative or clearly identified changes

Official source: City of Orlando — Residential Permitting Requirements .

Orlando Residential Projects That May Need Site Information

Not every project requires the same drawings or permits. The current project-specific checklist controls.

Property Lines and Lot Dimensions

The complete property should normally be shown rather than only the immediate construction area.

Identify:

• Front property boundary
• Left-side property boundary
• Right-side property boundary
• Rear property boundary
• Street-side boundary on a corner lot
• Curved, angled or irregular segments
• Available dimensions of each boundary
• Adjacent streets or alleys

Property information may come from:

• Current boundary survey
• Previous property survey
• Recorded subdivision plat
• Previous approved site plan
• Settlement or title documents

Do not automatically treat the following as the legal property line:

• Fence
• Hedge
• Retaining wall
• Driveway edge
• Sidewalk
• Curb
• Online parcel line

Public GIS and aerial maps can support preliminary drafting, but they do not independently locate or certify the legal property boundary.

Existing Structures and Improvements

Show relevant existing features, including:

• Main house
• Existing additions
• Attached and detached garages
• Carports
• Sheds and workshops
• Decks and porches
• Patios and walkways
• Swimming pools and spas
• Screen enclosures
• Driveways and parking areas
• Retaining walls
• Equipment pads
• Fences and gates when relevant

An omitted structure can affect:

• Setbacks
• Building separation
• Impervious-surface calculations
• Access
• Drainage
• Available project placement

Proposed Construction

Clearly distinguish proposed work from existing conditions.

Use:

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

Show the complete proposed footprint and relevant:

• Exterior dimensions
• Foundation outline
• Posts and supports
• Deck or porch platforms
• Stairs and landings
• Roof overhangs
• Equipment pads
• New paving
• Structures proposed for removal

The dimensions should agree with:

• Permit application
• Foundation plan
• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Framing plans
• Contractor drawings
• Manufacturer documents

Setbacks and Building Separation

Show the shortest relevant distance from the proposed work to:

• Front property line
• Both side property lines
• Rear property line
• Street-side boundary on a corner lot
• Known easement boundary
• Recorded building line

Also show distances to relevant:

• Main house
• Detached garage
• Shed
• Deck or porch
• Pool
• Equipment pad
• Other buildings or improvements

Orlando setbacks can vary according to:

• Zoning category
• Housing type
• Project type
• Lot configuration
• Building height
• Planned Development standards
• Historic or other overlay districts
• Previous property approvals

The City’s Residential Development Standards Guide recommends identifying the zoning category, reviewing the standards applying to the housing type and preparing a draft site plan that follows those standards.

Planned Development properties can have site-specific requirements that differ from the general zoning tables.

Official source: City of Orlando — Residential Development Standards Guide .

Read our Setbacks and Zoning guide and Property Setbacks Explained for Homeowners .

Easements and Recorded Restrictions

Show known:

• Utility easements
• Drainage easements
• Sanitary-sewer easements
• Access easements
• Sidewalk easements
• Shared-driveway easements
• Recorded building lines
• Other recorded limitations

A project can satisfy its zoning setback and still conflict with an easement.

Easement information may be found on:

• Boundary survey
• Recorded subdivision plat
• Title documents
• Previous approved site plans
• Recorded property instruments

A drafted site plan can show supplied easement information. It does not independently locate an uncertain or unrecorded easement.

Impervious-Surface Calculations

Orlando may require Impervious Surface Ratio calculations for residential projects.

Impervious surfaces can include:

• House and addition roofs
• Sheds and accessory buildings
• Garages and carports
• Driveways
• Concrete and pavers
• Patios
• Pool decks
• Some decks
• Artificial turf under Orlando’s current engineering guidance

Depending on the project, the site plan may need to show:

• Total lot area
• Total existing impervious area
• Impervious area proposed for removal
• New impervious area
• Total proposed impervious area
• Front-yard impervious area
• Applicable percentage calculations

Do not assume every surface is classified identically. Use the City’s current worksheet and definitions.

Official resource: Orlando Residential Permitting Requirements and ISR Information .

Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Equipment

The City specifically identifies an omitted air-conditioning-unit location as a common reason for residential disapproval.

Show relevant:

• Existing air-conditioning unit
• Proposed air-conditioning unit
• Mechanical pad
• Generator
• Pool pump and filter
• Pool heater
• Other exterior equipment

Equipment location can be affected by:

• Property-line setbacks
• Building separation
• Easements
• Required maintenance access
• Noise or screening rules
• Distance from openings or ignition sources

Driveways, Sidewalks and Street Connections

Show:

• Existing driveway
• Proposed driveway or widening
• Driveway width
• Driveway approach
• Parking area
• Garage entrance
• Curb
• Street-pavement edge
• Public sidewalk
• On-site walkways
• Adjoining street name

Work involving pavers, asphalt, concrete or driveway expansion generally requires an Orlando engineering permit when it is not associated with vertical building construction.

The current driveway and paver guidance asks applicants to:

• Show the work location
• Include the length and width
• Dimension the distance between the work and property line
• Include lot and front-yard impervious-surface calculations
• Address driveway-apron requirements when applicable
• Include specified erosion and sediment-control information

When the work increases impervious area or changes existing elevations or drainage patterns, the City states that a grading plan and stormwater calculations prepared by a professional engineer, together with a topographic survey prepared by a professional surveyor, may be required.

Official sources: Residential Driveway and Paver Requirements and Apply for an Orlando Engineering Permit .

Public Right-of-Way Work

Work may require separate right-of-way review when it occurs:

• In the street
• Under or across a public sidewalk
• Within the grassy area beside the street
• Within another city-controlled public area

Examples can include:

• Driveway approaches
• Curb work
• Sidewalk replacement
• Utility work
• Street openings
• Temporary obstruction of public areas

Not every right-of-way near an Orlando address is maintained by the City. It may be controlled by Orange County, the Florida Department of Transportation or another authority.

Official source: City of Orlando — Apply for a Right-of-Way Permit .

Trees Near the Proposed Project

Show relevant existing trees when they are close to:

• Proposed construction
• New foundations
• Driveway work
• A pool or deck
• Grading or excavation
• Utility work

Tree information can include:

• Approximate trunk location
• Tree identification when available
• Tree proposed for removal
• Tree proposed to remain
• Construction or paving near the root area

A separate tree-removal or encroachment permit may be required. When the tree work is connected to a larger project, the City instructs applicants to associate the tree documentation with the corresponding ProjectDox project.

Official source: City of Orlando — Tree Removal or Encroachment Permit .

Orlando Shed Permit Site Plans

Orlando’s current residential guidance identifies a building permit for sheds.

The shed site plan should show:

• Location of the shed
• Shed length and width
• Shed height
• Distance to the rear property line
• Distance to both side property lines when relevant
• Existing house and accessory structures
• Driveways, patios and walkways
• Known easements
• Existing trees near the work
• Lot and front-yard Impervious Surface Ratio calculations

The permit package can also require:

• Manufacturer drawings and specifications
• Anchoring or strapping information
• Electrical permit for lights or outlets
• Plumbing permit for sinks or plumbing work
• HOA approval when applicable
• Floodplain or special-district review

The City states that custom, field-built shed plans must be signed and sealed engineered drawings.

A drafted site plan shows where the shed is proposed. It does not replace the required structural or manufacturer documents.

Orlando Pool and Spa Site Plans

Orlando states that a typical residential pool or spa requires a minimum of three permits:

• Building permit
• Electrical permit
• Engineering permit generated by City staff as part of the building review

A plumbing or gas permit can also apply when the project includes:

• Gas-fueled pool heater
• Automatic fill system using potable water
• Other plumbing or gas work

The pool site plan may need to show:

• Pool or spa footprint
• Pool dimensions
• Pool deck or surrounding paving
• Distances to property boundaries
• Existing house and accessory buildings
• Pump and filter equipment
• Pool heater
• Safety barrier and gates
• Screen enclosure
• Easements
• Overhead utilities
• Existing trees
• Impervious-surface calculations
• Supported drainage and elevation information

Orlando’s pool checklist states that pool projects must follow development standards addressing:

• Setbacks
• Impervious Surface Ratio
• Decking
• Fencing
• Lighting
• Mechanical-equipment placement

Planned Development and Historic Preservation areas can have additional requirements.

Official source: City of Orlando — Residential Swimming Pool and Spa Checklist .

Orlando Fence and Gate Site Plans

Not every one- or two-family residential fence requires a permit, but every fence must comply with the City Code.

Orlando currently requires a fence permit when any listed condition applies, including when the fence:

• Is taller than six feet
• Uses concrete, masonry, block or reinforcement
• Serves as a required pool or spa barrier
• Is on a property with an alley at the rear
• Is on a corner lot
• Is on or near a public easement shown on a survey
• Includes a vehicular gate
• Includes a powered gate
• Is in a Historic Preservation district
• Is in a floodplain or floodway

When a site plan is required, show:

• Complete proposed fence route
• Property lines
• Fence length
• Fence height
• Fence material
• Pedestrian gates
• Vehicle gates
• Driveways and sidewalks
• Corner and driveway visibility areas
• Known easements
• House, pool and accessory structures

The City’s fence guidance says fences must remain on or inside the property line and outside applicable sight-visibility areas. Gates across driveways must be set back at least 20 feet from the property line.

Official sources: Apply for an Orlando Fence Permit and Orlando Fence Guide .

Garages, Carports and Home Additions

These projects change or add to the building footprint and generally require more than a basic site outline.

The site plan may need to show:

• Complete existing house footprint
• Proposed addition, garage or carport footprint
• Exterior dimensions
• Roof overhangs
• Posts and supports
• Stairs and landings
• Property-line distances
• Distance to detached buildings
• Driveway and parking arrangement
• Air-conditioning or other equipment
• Existing and proposed impervious area
• Trees, easements and access

Separate construction plans may be required for:

• Foundation
• Floor layout
• Framing
• Roof
• Exterior elevations
• Structural design
• Energy compliance

Professional signatures and seals must be obtained when required by the City and Florida law.

Decks, Patios and Screen Enclosures

The site plan should show the complete exterior footprint, including features that extend beyond the main platform or covered area.

Show relevant:

• Deck or patio footprint
• Outside dimensions
• Deck height
• Posts and footings
• Stairs and landings
• Screen-enclosure outline
• Covered or roofed portions
• Connection to the house
• Property-line distances
• Distance to a pool or other structure
• Impervious-area information

A deck platform may fit within the available area while its stairs or landing extend closer to the property boundary.

Accessory Dwelling Units

Orlando allows accessory dwelling units on many single-family properties, but the complete proposal must satisfy the applicable ADU and zoning standards.

The site plan may need to show:

• Primary dwelling
• Proposed ADU footprint
• Whether the unit is attached or detached
• Property-line distances
• Building separation
• Height
• Access
• Parking
• Utilities
• Lot and impervious coverage
• Existing accessory structures

Planned Development properties and overlay districts can have site-specific standards.

Grading, Drainage and Floodplain Conditions

Additional professional information may be needed when the project:

• Changes existing grades
• Changes surface-drainage patterns
• Adds substantial impervious area
• Uses fill
• Includes a retaining wall
• Affects a drainage easement
• Is located in a mapped flood hazard area

The required documents can include:

• Topographic survey
• Existing and proposed elevations
• Grading plan
• Drainage arrows
• Stormwater calculations
• Finished-floor elevation
• Swales or drainage systems
• Erosion and sediment-control information
• Floodplain documents

A standard drafted site plan can show supplied drainage or elevation information. It does not replace professional surveying, civil engineering or floodplain certification when those services are required.

Site Plan vs Survey vs Professional Plans

A residential permit application can require more than one of these document types.

A licensed land surveyor may be needed when:

• The City requests a signed and sealed survey
• No reliable property survey is available
• Property corners cannot be located
• The proposed work is close to a boundary
• The lot has an irregular shape
• Existing records conflict
• An easement location is uncertain
• Certified elevations are required
• A topographic survey is required
• The property is in a floodplain

A Florida-licensed architect or engineer may be needed for:

• Building construction plans
• Custom field-built sheds
• Structural systems
• Foundations
• Retaining walls
• Grading and drainage
• Stormwater calculations
• Work outside prescriptive code provisions

How Orlando’s Digital Submission Process Works

Orlando uses ProjectDox for digital plan review.

ProjectDox allows applicants to:

• Upload plans
• Track review progress
• Read reviewer comments
• Submit revisions
• Receive approved stamped plans after fees are paid

The City’s current digital-plans guidance says each drawing sheet must be uploaded as one sheet per file. Multipage drawing submissions are not accepted in the drawing area.

Official sources: City of Orlando — Get a Permit and Orlando Digital Plans Strategy .

What to Send With Your Orlando Site Plan Order

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

How Our Orlando Site Plan Drafting Service Works

1. Place your order. Select the site-plan option matching the requested level of property detail.
2. Provide the property address. Confirm that the City of Orlando is the reviewing jurisdiction.
3. Upload available records. Send any survey, plat, previous plan or permit comments.
4. Describe the project. Include its dimensions, height, use and basic scope.
5. Mark the proposed location. Send a marked survey, sketch, photographs or construction drawing.
6. Provide site details. Include equipment, driveway, easement, tree and drainage information when relevant.
7. Review the completed draft. Check the project location, measurements, labels and property relationships.
8. Confirm the complete permit package. Obtain any separate survey, architecture, engineering or City documents required for the application.

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

Common Orlando Site Plan Problems

• The property is outside Orlando city limits
• The current project-specific checklist is not followed
• The site plan or survey is missing
• The site plan is not dimensioned
• Only the immediate project area is shown
• Property boundaries are missing or uncertain
• An online parcel line is treated as a surveyed boundary
• An existing building or exterior improvement is omitted
• The proposed work is not clearly identified
• Project dimensions are missing
• Property-line distances are unclear
• Distances between improvements are omitted
• The air-conditioning unit is not shown
• Pool or other mechanical equipment is omitted
• Driveway, sidewalk or street information is incomplete
• Roof overhangs, stairs or landings are missing
• Known easements are omitted
• Impervious-surface calculations are missing
• Tree impacts are overlooked
• Drainage or grading changes are not addressed
• Planned Development or Historic Preservation rules are discovered late
• The site plan conflicts with construction drawings
• A drafted plan is used where a licensed survey is required
• Professional architecture or engineering is missing
• Revisions are submitted without a narrative or clearly marked changes

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

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

Orlando Residential Site Plan Checklist

Related Permit Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Orlando residential project require a site plan?

No. The required documents depend on the project and scope. Projects that add a structure, change a building footprint, alter exterior paving, affect access or increase impervious area are more likely to require a site plan or survey.

Is an Orlando mailing address enough to confirm City jurisdiction?

No. An Orlando mailing address may be in unincorporated Orange County or another municipality. Use the City’s address-checking tool before applying.

What should an Orlando site plan show?

It may need to show property lines, lot dimensions, streets, easements, existing and proposed structures, project dimensions, property-line distances, equipment, driveways, sidewalks, roof projections, trees, north arrow and impervious-surface calculations.

Can I use an old property survey?

It can be a useful starting point if it remains readable and accurately reflects current conditions. A new survey may be required when improvements have changed, boundaries are uncertain or certified information is requested.

Can I use an online parcel map instead of a survey?

Online parcel and aerial maps can support preliminary research but do not independently establish the exact legal boundary. Use a Florida-licensed land surveyor when professionally verified boundary or elevation information is required.

Does an Orlando shed require a permit?

The City’s current residential guidance identifies a building permit for sheds. The site plan should show the shed location, size, height, setbacks and applicable impervious-surface calculations.

How many permits does an Orlando pool normally require?

The City states that a typical residential pool or spa requires at least building, electrical and engineering permits. Plumbing or gas permits may also apply.

Does driveway widening require an Orlando permit?

The City generally requires an engineering permit for installing or removing pavers, asphalt or concrete and for driveway expansion when the work is not part of a vertical building project.

Does every Orlando fence require a permit?

No. A qualifying fence at a one- or two-family residence may not require one. A permit is required under listed conditions involving height, material, pool barriers, corner lots, alleys, public easements, vehicular gates, powered gates, historic districts and flood areas.

Do I need to show the air-conditioning unit?

It may need to appear on the plan. Orlando identifies an omitted air-conditioning-unit location as a common reason for residential disapproval.

Are trees important on an Orlando site plan?

They can be, particularly when construction, paving, excavation or utilities are near an existing tree. Tree removal or encroachment may require separate review.

How are Orlando plans submitted?

After the permit application is processed, the digital applicant receives ProjectDox access to upload plans and supporting documents.

Can a drafted site plan establish legal property lines?

No. A drafted plan uses supplied surveys, plats, records and measurements but does not independently locate or legally certify property boundaries.

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 an Orlando site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. The City of Orlando and any participating agencies control the review and may request corrections, a current survey, professional plans, calculations or additional supporting documents.

Official Orlando Resources

1. Residential Permitting Requirements
2. Check Your Address and City Limits
3. Residential Development Standards Guide
4. Residential Swimming Pool and Spa Checklist
5. Apply for an Engineering Permit
6. Apply for a Right-of-Way Permit
7. Apply for a Fence Permit
8. Residential Fence Guide
9. Tree Removal or Encroachment Permit
10. Orlando Permit Application Process
11. ProjectDox and Digital Plan Requirements
12. City of Orlando Code

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning, floodplain, tree, drainage or permitting advice. Orlando requirements vary according to the property, project, zoning district, Planned Development, overlay district, existing site conditions and current City standards. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the City of Orlando, Orange County or another government agency. A drafted site plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a licensed survey, architecture, engineering or another professionally certified document when required. Confirm current requirements with the departments and licensed professionals reviewing the application.