Site Plan for Permit in Phoenix, AZ: Residential Permit Site Plans

A Phoenix residential site plan—also commonly called a plot plan—shows the property from above. It identifies the lot boundaries, existing buildings, proposed construction, project dimensions, setbacks, easements, streets, alleys, driveways, utility locations and other relevant site conditions.

Phoenix Planning and Development uses the plot plan to review where proposed work will be placed and how it relates to zoning requirements, property boundaries, building separation, lot coverage, access and recorded site restrictions.

Send us your property address, existing survey or recorded plat, project dimensions, photographs and a sketch showing the intended location. We can organise the available information into a clean residential site plan for your Phoenix permit package.

What Is a Site Plan for a Phoenix Permit?

A residential site plan is a scaled or dimensioned overhead drawing showing the complete property and the improvements located on it.

It places the proposed project within the lot so the reviewer can understand how it relates to:

• Legal property boundaries
• The existing house
• Garages and accessory buildings
• Required front, side and rear setbacks
• Building separation
• Recorded easements
• Driveways, streets and alleys
• Utility services
• Lot coverage
• Sight-visibility areas
• Grading and drainage conditions

A plot plan does not replace the floor plans, elevations, structural details or engineering drawings that explain how the project will be built. Its main purpose is to show where the project will sit on the property.

For a broader explanation, read our complete plot plan for permit guide .

Why Phoenix Requires Plot Plans

Phoenix’s residential process guidance states that residential plan submissions include plans, calculations and a plot plan showing the lot and the orientation of the house on the property.

The plot plan helps Phoenix Planning and Development review:

• Property-line locations and dimensions
• Existing and proposed structures
• Actual and required setbacks
• Allowable and proposed lot coverage
• Driveway and alley access
• Rights of way
• Recorded easements
• Utility-service locations
• Fence and wall placement
• Visibility near intersections and driveways
• Conformance with applicable zoning

A clear site plan does not guarantee approval, but it gives the reviewer measurable information needed to evaluate the proposed layout.

Official sources: Phoenix Residential Process Overview and Phoenix Single-Family Plot Plan Example .

What Should a Phoenix Residential Plot Plan Include?

The exact requirements depend on the project, zoning district and property conditions. Phoenix’s published plot-plan and residential-submittal checklists identify the following information.

Property identification

• Complete property address
• Parcel or assessor information when requested
• Zoning district
• Lot area
• Project title and description
• Preparation or revision date

North arrow and scale

The drawing should include a north arrow and a clearly stated scale.

Phoenix’s residential checklist says the plot-plan scale should generally be no smaller than 1 inch equals 20 feet.

Choose a scale that allows the complete property to fit on the sheet while leaving enough space for dimensions, labels and notes.

Property lines, dimensions and bearings

The complete legal lot should be shown rather than only the area immediately surrounding the project.

The plan may include:

• Front property line
• Both side property lines
• Rear property line
• Street-side boundary on a corner lot
• Property-line dimensions
• Property-line bearings
• Angled or curved boundary sections

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

Rights of way, streets and alleys

Show the location and dimensions of relevant:

• Public rights of way
• Adjoining streets
• Alleys
• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Curb cuts
• Access points

Recorded easements

The plan should identify the location and dimensions of recorded easements that affect the property.

Examples include:

• Public utility easements
• Drainage easements
• Sewer easements
• Access easements
• Shared-driveway easements
• Rights of way

A project can satisfy normal zoning setbacks and still conflict with an easement.

Existing structures

Show the existing improvements that affect the proposed project.

• Main dwelling
• Attached or detached garage
• Carport
• Shed or workshop
• Accessory dwelling unit
• Deck or patio
• Patio cover
• Swimming pool or spa
• Pool equipment
• Driveway and parking area
• Walkways
• Fences and walls when relevant

Proposed construction

Proposed work should be clearly distinguished from existing construction.

The drawing may need to show:

• Complete proposed footprint
• Overall project length and width
• Connection to the existing house
• Stairs and landings
• Roof projections
• Supporting posts
• Pool or mechanical equipment
• New paving
• Structures proposed for demolition

Different hatching, line weights or labels can be used to separate existing and proposed work.

Actual and required setbacks

Phoenix’s checklist calls for both actual and required building setbacks.

Show measurable distances from the proposed work to:

• Front property line
• Both side property lines
• Rear property line
• Street-side property line
• The existing house
• Other structures
• Sidewalks when applicable
• Known easements

Required setbacks depend on the zoning district, lot configuration, project type, building height and other property-specific conditions.

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

Utility services

Phoenix’s plot-plan example calls for the location of electric, gas and water services.

Depending on the project, the plan may show:

• Electrical service
• Gas service
• Water service
• Utility meters
• Utility easements
• Service routes when known

Fences and walls

When a fence or wall is proposed, identify:

• Complete alignment
• Fence or wall type
• Proposed height
• Gates
• Street frontage
• Driveway relationship
• Visibility areas
• Retaining portions when relevant

Sight-visibility triangles

Sight-visibility areas may apply near:

• Street intersections
• Alley intersections
• Driveways
• Corner lots

Structures, landscaping, fences and walls within these areas may be subject to height or placement restrictions.

Lot coverage

Phoenix’s published plot-plan guidance calls for:

• Existing square footage under roof
• Proposed square footage under roof
• Total square footage under roof
• Maximum allowable lot coverage
• Proposed lot coverage

A structure may satisfy its setbacks but still cause the property to exceed the allowable lot coverage.

Common Phoenix Projects That May Need a Plot Plan

Home Additions and Remodels

Phoenix requires residential construction permits when existing homes are remodelled or additions are constructed.

The city lists examples such as:

• Garage or carport construction
• Garage or carport conversion
• Porch enclosure
• Demolition
• Patio covers
• Fences and walls

A site plan for an addition may need to show:

• The complete existing house
• The proposed addition footprint
• Overall addition dimensions
• Front, side and rear setbacks
• Existing garages and accessory structures
• Structures proposed for removal
• Lot coverage before and after the project
• Driveways and access
• Utility locations
• Relevant easements

Phoenix notes that grading and drainage or hillside permits, when required, must be obtained before issuance of the building permit.

Official source: Phoenix Residential Additions and Remodels .

Garage and Carport Site Plans

A garage or carport plan commonly shows:

• Complete structure footprint
• Overall dimensions
• Distance to each relevant property line
• Distance to the existing dwelling
• Driveway or alley access
• Garage-door orientation
• Supporting posts
• Roof projections
• Existing and proposed paving
• Utility services
• Lot-coverage calculations

A new structure, an enclosure and a conversion may follow different permit paths. The plan should accurately describe the scope of work being submitted.

Patio-Cover Site Plans

Phoenix lists patio covers among residential projects commonly requiring permits.

A patio-cover site plan may identify:

• Complete covered footprint
• Connection to the house
• Post locations
• Roof dimensions and projections
• Distances to property lines
• Distance to other structures
• Effect on square footage under roof
• Effect on lot coverage

Structural framing, footing and connection details are separate from the site plan and must be provided when required.

Pool and Spa Plot Plans

Phoenix currently allows residential pool and spa permit applications to be completed remotely.

The city’s pool and spa guideline requires a plot plan drawn to scale and dimensioned to show:

• North arrow
• All property lines
• Pool or spa specifications
• Footprints of all structures on the property
• Front, side and rear setbacks
• Pool or spa footprint
• Filter, pump and accessory equipment
• Location and dimensions of easements
• Fence, wall or other pool barrier
• Drawing scale

Phoenix also publishes separate property-survey requirements and a survey-waiver form for qualifying pool applications.

A drafted plan does not replace a survey when Phoenix requires certified or field-verified property information.

Official sources: Phoenix Residential Pool and Spa Permits and Phoenix Pool and Spa Submittal Guideline .

Sheds and Detached Accessory Structures

Phoenix’s residential-project guidance lists new detached residential structures larger than 200 square feet among projects that require permits.

Smaller structures may qualify for a building-permit exemption when every applicable requirement is satisfied. Zoning, setbacks, easements, lot coverage, utilities, flood conditions and private restrictions may still apply.

A shed or accessory-building plot plan commonly shows:

• Structure length and width
• Overall height when relevant
• Rear and side setbacks
• Distance to the dwelling
• Recorded easements
• Utility services
• Roof area
• Proposed lot coverage

Official source: Phoenix Residential Projects .

Fence and Wall Site Plans

Fence and wall requirements can depend on:

• Height
• Material
• Location within the lot
• Whether the work is new or a replacement
• Relationship to a retaining wall
• Street frontage
• Right-of-way location
• Driveway visibility
• Sight-visibility triangles

A fence plan should clearly show the proposed alignment, height, type and gates.

Do not assume that every fence follows the same permit requirement. Phoenix updated its building code effective August 1, 2025, and current project-specific guidance should be checked before submission.

Official sources: Phoenix Residential Fences and Walls and Phoenix 2024 Building Construction Code Update .

Grading and Drainage Requirements

Phoenix treats grading and drainage plans as civil plans.

The city provides separate single-lot guidance covering:

• Single-lot grading and drainage
• On-site stormwater retention
• Residential grading checklists
• Single-lot plot plans
• Previously developed lots

Depending on the project and property, additional plans may need to show:

• Existing and proposed ground elevations
• Finished-floor elevation
• Drainage direction
• Retention areas
• Contours
• Cut and fill
• Walls and slopes
• Stormwater facilities

A basic residential site plan does not replace grading calculations, drainage design or civil engineering when those services are required.

Official source: Phoenix Grading and Drainage .

Phoenix Hillside Properties

Phoenix requires hillside-plan review for projects in hillside development areas.

The city identifies hillside development areas as properties having a slope of 10 percent or greater.

Hillside review can consider:

• Building height above natural grade
• Lot coverage
• Area of disturbance outside the roof
• Grading
• Drainage
• Natural-slope preservation
• Revegetation

The current city process directs applicants to obtain a hillside determination, complete the Hillside/Grading and Drainage review, obtain any required entitlement or waiver and receive the applicable approval before building-plan review.

Hillside projects normally require significantly more information than a basic residential site plan.

Official source: Phoenix Hillside Review .

Residential Plot Plan vs Formal Phoenix Site-Plan Review

The phrase “site plan” can refer to different types of submissions.

Residential permit plot plan

A residential permit plot plan is normally part of the building-permit package for a single house, addition, garage, pool, patio cover or other individual residential project.

It focuses on the property boundaries, structures, proposed work, setbacks, easements, access and lot coverage.

Formal site-development review

Phoenix also has a separate site-planning and development-review process.

That process can involve:

• Minor or major site-plan review
• Residential Plan Development Review
• Civil engineering
• Landscape review
• Grading and drainage
• Utility coordination
• Subdivision review
• Traffic and access information

A straightforward residential drafting service does not replace the engineering, landscape, survey or civil documentation required for a formal site-development application.

Official source: Phoenix Site Planning .

Site Plan vs Boundary Survey

A drafted site plan and a licensed boundary survey are different documents.

A licensed Arizona surveyor may be required when:

• Property boundaries are uncertain
• Property corners cannot be located
• The proposed work is close to a lot line
• The lot is irregular
• Existing records conflict
• Accurate elevations or contours are needed
• There is a boundary dispute
• Phoenix specifically requests survey-based information

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

Submitting Plans Through SHAPE PHX

Phoenix now uses the SHAPE PHX portal for single-family residential permits, plan reviews and inspections.

The portal can be used to:

• Submit applications
• Upload plans and supporting documents
• Check plan-review status
• Communicate with staff
• Pay fees
• Request inspections

Phoenix’s electronic-plan requirements state that:

• PDF is the standard plan-review format
• Plan sets should be uploaded as one combined multi-page PDF
• Supporting documents can be uploaded as separate combined files
• File names should identify the project and submission version
• Reference photographs may be uploaded separately

Review the current electronic-plan guidelines before uploading because file-naming and document requirements can change.

Official sources: SHAPE PHX and SHAPE PHX Electronic Plan Requirements .

What Information Should You Send With Your Order?

Complete information helps produce a clearer and more useful site plan.

• Complete Phoenix property address
• Description of the proposed project
• Project length and width
• Proposed location
• Distances to nearby property lines
• Existing boundary survey
• Recorded subdivision plat
• Previous approved site plan
• Photographs of the property
• A hand sketch or marked aerial image
• Contractor or manufacturer drawings
• Known easements
• Utility-service information when relevant
• Local permit checklist
• Any correction comments already received

How Our Phoenix Site Plan Service Works

1. Place your order. Select the site-plan option that matches the requested level of detail.
2. Provide the property address. Available mapping and property information can be reviewed.
3. Upload your documents. Send any survey, subdivision plat, previous plan or correction notice available.
4. Describe the project. Provide the proposed dimensions and scope.
5. Mark the intended location. Send a sketch, photograph or marked aerial image.
6. Review the completed drawing. Check the proposed location, dimensions and labels.
7. Request reasonable edits. Drawing changes can be made when a reviewer requests site-plan corrections.

The accuracy and usefulness of a remotely prepared site plan depend on the accuracy of the surveys, property records, photographs, measurements and project information provided.

Common Phoenix Site Plan Problems

• Property-line dimensions or bearings are missing
• The complete lot is not shown
• Property lines are estimated from a fence or wall
• No north arrow or drawing scale is included
• Existing structures are omitted
• Proposed work is not clearly distinguished
• Project dimensions are missing
• Actual setbacks are unclear
• Required setback lines are not identified
• Streets, alleys or rights of way are omitted
• Recorded easements are ignored
• Utility-service locations are missing
• Sight-visibility areas are overlooked
• Fence or wall height is not shown
• Lot coverage is missing or calculated incorrectly
• Grading or drainage requirements are overlooked
• Hillside conditions are not identified
• The site plan conflicts with floor plans or elevations
• The SHAPE PHX upload does not meet file requirements
• A drafted plan is submitted where surveying or engineering is required

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

Phoenix Site Plan Review Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a site plan for a Phoenix residential permit?

Many projects involving new buildings, additions, pools, garages, carports, patio covers, accessory structures and other exterior work require a plot plan or site information. The exact requirement depends on the project and property.

Is a plot plan the same as a site plan in Phoenix?

The terms are often used interchangeably for residential permits. Phoenix commonly uses the term plot plan in its residential applications and guidance.

What scale should a Phoenix plot plan use?

Phoenix’s residential checklist says the plot-plan scale should generally be no smaller than 1 inch equals 20 feet. The selected scale must also allow the entire property and all required information to fit clearly on the sheet.

Can a Phoenix site plan be prepared without visiting the property?

Many straightforward residential plans can be prepared remotely using an existing survey or plat, property records, aerial imagery, photographs and customer-supplied measurements.

Can you add a proposed garage, patio cover or addition?

Yes. Proposed structures can be shown when reliable dimensions, intended location information and suitable property documents are provided.

Can you prepare a pool plot plan?

Yes. A pool plan can show the pool or spa, equipment, property lines, structures, setbacks, easements, barriers, gates and drawing scale. Phoenix may also require a property survey or approved survey waiver.

Does the plot plan need lot coverage?

Phoenix’s published plot-plan guidance calls for existing, proposed and total square footage under roof, together with allowable and proposed lot coverage.

Do I need a survey?

Not for every project. A licensed survey may be required when property boundaries are uncertain, the proposed work is close to a lot line or Phoenix requests certified property information.

What if the property is on a hillside?

Phoenix requires hillside review for projects in hillside development areas with slopes of 10 percent or greater. A Hillside/Grading and Drainage plan and additional professional documentation may be required.

Are your Phoenix plans stamped?

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

How quickly can a Phoenix site plan be completed?

Many straightforward weekday orders are completed within 24 hours after the required property and project information is received. Complex sites or incomplete source information may require additional time.

Will a site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. Phoenix Planning and Development controls approval and may request revisions, certified surveys, grading and drainage plans, structural plans or other supporting documentation.

Official Phoenix Resources

• Phoenix Residential Process Overview
• Phoenix Residential Applications and Checklists
• Phoenix Single-Family Plot Plan Example
• Phoenix Residential Plan Submittal Checklist
• Phoenix Residential Additions and Remodels
• Phoenix Residential Pool and Spa Permits
• Phoenix Grading and Drainage
• Phoenix Hillside Review
• SHAPE PHX
• SHAPE PHX Electronic Plan Requirements

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning or permitting advice. Requirements vary according to the property, zoning district, project scope, easements, grading, drainage, hillside conditions and current City of Phoenix regulations. A drafted site plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a licensed survey, grading and drainage plan, civil engineering, structural plans or another professionally sealed document when required. Confirm current requirements with Phoenix Planning and Development before submitting an application.