Site Plan for Permit in Rochester, NY | Maps

Site plan for permit in Rochester New York showing survey maps and residential plans
Rochester residential permit applications may require an Instrument Survey Map, a proposed site plan and construction drawings showing the planned work.

Planning a home addition, detached garage, carport, shed, deck, pool or new residential building in Rochester, New York? Before a permit can be approved, the City may need documents showing both the legal property layout and the proposed construction.

This is where survey maps and residential site plans serve different but connected purposes. A survey map documents the property and its boundaries, while a site plan shows how the proposed project will fit on that property.

What does Rochester commonly require?

Rochester’s current permit instructions list an Instrument Survey Map and supporting project plans for many exterior residential projects. For additions and new construction, the City also lists a site plan showing the location of the proposed work, along with floor plans and other building documents.[1]

Survey map, site plan and building plans: What is the difference?

These documents are related, but they are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference can help prevent an incomplete permit submission.

Document Main purpose What it typically shows
Instrument Survey Map Documents the surveyed property and existing site conditions. Property boundaries, lot dimensions, existing structures, streets, easements and other surveyed features.
Residential site plan Shows where the proposed project will be placed. Existing improvements, proposed construction, project dimensions, property-line distances, access and known site restrictions.
Building plans Show how the structure will be built. Floor plans, elevations, foundations, framing, structural details and construction materials.

One document does not always replace another. A permit reviewer may need the survey to understand the legal lot, the site plan to evaluate the proposed location and the building plans to review the construction itself.

What is an Instrument Survey Map?

An Instrument Survey Map is a professional property drawing based on boundary research, deed information, physical evidence and field measurements. It provides a reliable picture of the parcel and the improvements that existed when the survey was completed.

New York State describes a boundary survey map as a drawing that depicts a parcel’s mathematical and physical features in relation to recorded deeds, map lines and other reference information, based on an actual field survey.[2]

A residential survey map may show:

  • Property boundary lines and dimensions
  • The existing house and accessory buildings
  • Driveways, walks, porches and decks
  • Adjoining streets and rights-of-way
  • Recorded or visible easements
  • Fences, walls or other physical improvements
  • The surveyor’s certification, date and professional information
A survey map is not simply an aerial image.
Online parcel maps and aerial photography can be useful reference tools, but they do not establish a legal property boundary and should not be treated as a substitute for a professional boundary survey.

Does the City of Rochester provide property surveys?

No. Rochester’s Maps and Surveys Office states that the City does not conduct private property surveys and does not receive or retain Instrument Survey Maps, even though the Neighborhood and Business Development Department may require one for a permit application.[3]

The City recommends checking the documents from your property closing or contacting the attorney who handled the closing. If a suitable survey cannot be located, a New York State licensed land surveyor may need to prepare a new one.

Before ordering a new survey: Check your closing folder, title documents, mortgage records and previous permit files. Many homeowners already have an Instrument Survey Map but know it only as the property survey or closing survey.

What is a residential site plan?

A residential site plan is a top-down drawing showing the property and the proposed project. It helps zoning and permit reviewers see where the construction will be located in relation to property boundaries, existing structures, streets and other site features.

For additions and new construction, Rochester’s current instructions list both an Instrument Survey Map and a site plan showing the proposed work or project location.[1]

The site plan should make the proposed work easy to identify. Existing structures and new construction should use different shading, labels or line types so reviewers do not have to guess which portion of the drawing represents the project.

What should a Rochester residential site plan show?

1

Property boundaries

Show the parcel shape and available boundary dimensions from the current survey or other accepted property records.

2

Existing buildings

Identify the house, garage, carport, shed and other structures already located on the property.

3

Proposed project

Clearly label the addition, garage, shed, deck, pool or other improvement being submitted for approval.

4

Project dimensions

Include the overall width and length of the proposed structure or improvement.

5

Property-line distances

Dimension the shortest distances between the proposed work and the front, side and rear property lines.

6

Access and paved areas

Show streets, driveways, parking areas, sidewalks and other access features that relate to the project.

7

Easements and restrictions

Identify known utility, drainage, access or other easements that could restrict the proposed location.

8

Drawing information

Add the property address, project description, north arrow, scale, notes and a simple drawing legend.

Residential projects that commonly need survey information

The documents required depend on the type and scope of work. Rochester publishes separate instructions for common residential projects.

Home additions and new construction

Rochester’s current additions and new-construction packet lists an Instrument Survey Map, a site plan showing the proposed work, floor plans and other building documents.[1]

A site plan for an addition should show the existing house separately from the proposed addition and include the addition’s dimensions and distances from the property lines.

Detached garages and carports

The City’s garage and carport instructions list an Instrument Survey Map showing the proposed location, together with framing, floor and elevation plans.[4]

The permit drawing should also show the relationship between the new garage or carport, the house, the driveway and the surrounding property boundaries.

Residential sheds and storage structures

Rochester’s shed instructions list an Instrument Survey Map showing the proposed location, along with floor, elevation or framing information as applicable.[5]

Even a small prefabricated structure can be subject to zoning placement rules. Avoid selecting the final location based only on the edge of a fence or the appearance of the yard.

Decks

Rochester’s deck instructions call for an Instrument Survey Map showing the proposed deck location. Construction plans are also required when the deck requires a building permit.[6]

The site plan should identify the deck’s dimensions, whether it is attached or freestanding and its distance from nearby property lines.

Pools and hot tubs

The City’s current pool and hot-tub instructions list an Instrument Survey Map showing the proposed installation location.[7]

Pool applications may also require information about barriers, access, equipment and electrical work. Separate trade permits may be necessary.

Why setbacks matter

A setback is the required distance between a structure and a property line, street or other regulated feature. The applicable setback can depend on the zoning district, structure type, lot configuration and existing development.

Rochester provides an online zoning map that allows users to search by address and identify the property’s current zoning district.[8]

Do not assume that a setback used on another Rochester property will apply to yours. Two nearby properties can have different lot conditions, existing approvals, easements or zoning requirements.

Do not measure from a fence unless the survey confirms it is on the boundary.
Fences, hedges, driveways and pavement edges are physical features, but they do not necessarily mark the legal property line.

How the Rochester permit process generally works

  1. Define the proposed project.
    Record the project type, intended use, overall dimensions and preferred location.
  2. Check the zoning district.
    Use the City’s zoning information to identify the district and determine which placement standards may apply.
  3. Locate the Instrument Survey Map.
    Review your property closing records or contact the attorney who handled the closing. Arrange a new survey if a suitable map cannot be found.
  4. Prepare the residential site plan.
    Show existing improvements, proposed construction, project dimensions and distances to the property boundaries.
  5. Prepare the construction drawings.
    Add floor plans, elevations, framing details and other building information required for the specific project.
  6. Submit the application.
    Rochester’s building-permit process directs applicants to submit the application, drawings, site plan and supporting documents through the City’s online portal.[9]
  7. Respond to review comments.
    Reviewers may request revised dimensions, clearer labels or additional construction information.
  8. Receive the permit and schedule inspections.
    Once approved, post the permit at the property and arrange the required inspections as work progresses.

Common reasons residential plans are returned

  • The Instrument Survey Map is missing or outdated.
  • The proposed project is not shown on the site plan.
  • The project dimensions are missing.
  • Distances to the property lines are not labeled.
  • The existing house and proposed addition are not clearly separated.
  • The site plan and building drawings show different project sizes.
  • A driveway, easement or existing accessory building is omitted.
  • The plan uses a fence as the assumed property boundary.
  • The drawing is too small or unclear to review.
  • The proposed location does not meet the applicable zoning requirements.

Can an aerial-based site plan be used in Rochester?

Aerial photography can be useful for creating a clear visual site plan, especially when showing the relationship between the house, driveway, yard and proposed project.

However, an aerial-based plan does not replace an Instrument Survey Map when the City requires surveyed boundary information. The survey should be used as the primary boundary reference, while aerial imagery can be used to improve the readability and context of the proposed site plan.

Important service distinction: USA Site Plans prepares residential site-plan drawings. We do not establish legal property boundaries or replace the services of a New York licensed land surveyor.

Need a Site Plan for Your Rochester Permit?

Send us your property address, available survey and project details. We prepare clear residential site plans for additions, garages, sheds, decks, pools and other permit projects.


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Frequently asked questions

Does Rochester require an Instrument Survey Map for an addition?

Rochester’s current addition and new-construction instructions list an Instrument Survey Map and a site plan showing the proposed work, along with floor plans and other construction documents.

Is a residential site plan the same as a survey?

No. A survey professionally documents the property boundaries and existing site conditions. A site plan shows the proposed construction and its location on the property.

Can the City of Rochester give me a copy of my survey?

The City states that it does not receive or retain private Instrument Survey Maps. Check your closing records or contact the attorney who handled the property closing.

Do I need a survey map for a garage or shed?

Rochester’s current instructions for garages, carports and residential sheds list an Instrument Survey Map showing the proposed structure’s location.

Can I draw the proposed project on my existing survey?

A proposed site plan can often use a current survey as its property reference. Do not alter the survey in a way that suggests the surveyor certified proposed work that was added later.

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

Online parcel maps are useful for general reference, but they do not professionally establish legal property boundaries and may not satisfy an Instrument Survey Map requirement.

What should I send to USA Site Plans?

Send the property address, available survey or property documents, project type, proposed dimensions and preferred project location. Photos and sketches can also help explain the proposed work.

Official sources


  1. City of Rochester — Additions and New Construction

  2. New York State Education Department — Land Surveying Practice Guidelines

  3. City of Rochester — Maps and Surveys Office

  4. City of Rochester — Garages and Carports

  5. City of Rochester — Residential Sheds and Storage Structures

  6. City of Rochester — Residential Decks

  7. City of Rochester — Pools and Hot Tubs

  8. City of Rochester — Zoning Map

  9. City of Rochester — Building Permits

Permit, survey and zoning requirements can change and may vary by property and project. Confirm current requirements with the City of Rochester before beginning construction. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the City of Rochester. USA Site Plans does not provide legal boundary surveys or replace the services of a licensed land surveyor.