Site Plan for Permit in Salt Lake City, UT | Fast Plans

Salt Lake City residential permit guide

Site Plan for Permit in Salt Lake City, UT: Fast Residential Permit Plans

Planning a home addition, garage, deck, accessory dwelling unit, patio, pool or new residence in Salt Lake City? A clear site plan helps city reviewers understand where the proposed work will be located and how it relates to the complete property.

The drawing can show property boundaries, existing buildings, proposed construction, setbacks, driveways, walkways, easements, utilities, retaining walls, grading and other site conditions needed for residential permit review.


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Quick answer

A Salt Lake City residential site plan is a scaled overhead drawing showing the complete lot, existing structures, proposed project and relevant distances to the property lines. The city’s current residential checklist also identifies easements, hard-surface areas, utilities, retaining walls, street names and certain slope, drainage and wildfire details as site-plan information when applicable.

Site plan for residential permit in Salt Lake City Utah showing property boundaries existing house proposed construction setbacks driveway utilities and site dimensions

Example residential site plan showing how property boundaries, buildings, access areas, dimensions and proposed improvements can be organized on one clear permit drawing.

Fast drafting still requires accurate information

USA Site Plans offers fast residential drafting, but the drawing still depends on reliable property records and accurate project dimensions. Providing a survey, recorded plat, previous approved plan, photographs and a marked sketch at the beginning can reduce questions and revisions.

What Is a Residential Site Plan?

A residential site plan is a scaled, top-down drawing of a parcel of land. It shows where buildings and exterior improvements are positioned in relation to the property boundaries.

A floor plan explains the rooms and interior spaces inside a house. A site plan explains how the house and proposed project fit on the property.

The drawing can help Salt Lake City reviewers understand:

  • The complete shape and dimensions of the lot
  • The location of the existing residence
  • The size and position of the proposed construction
  • The distance from the project to each property line
  • The separation between existing and proposed structures
  • How vehicles and pedestrians enter the property
  • Whether easements, utilities, slopes or drainage may affect the project

For a broader explanation, read

Everything You Need to Know About a Site Plan
.

Salt Lake City Home Projects That May Need a Site Plan

A site plan is commonly needed when residential work changes the building footprint, exterior layout, parking, access or use of the property.

Home additions
Bedrooms, kitchens, family rooms, attached garages and other extensions that enlarge the existing residence.
New houses
New one- and two-family dwellings requiring coordinated site, architectural, structural and utility documents.
Garages and accessory buildings
Detached garages, workshops, storage buildings and other structures affecting setbacks and building separation.
Decks, porches and patios
Outdoor structures involving footprints, stairs, landings, overhangs, setbacks and connections to the house.
Accessory dwelling units
Detached backyard cottages or other residential units requiring zoning, building and site review.
Swimming pools and spas
Pools, equipment, decks, barriers, utility clearances and distances to buildings and property lines.
Driveways and parking
New or modified access, paved areas, curb cuts, parking spaces and connections to streets or alleys.
Retaining walls and grading
Projects involving excavation, fill, slopes, drainage or changes to existing ground elevations.

Minor interior alterations may not require the same site information. The required documents depend on the project, zoning district, slope, historic status and other property-specific conditions.

Start With the Salt Lake City Planning Counter

Salt Lake City advises applicants planning a new structure, addition or exterior work in a historic district to contact the Planning Counter early in the project.

Planning staff can help identify:

  • The property’s zoning district
  • Required front, side and rear yards
  • Maximum building height
  • Lot coverage or building-size standards
  • Accessory-building rules
  • Historic-district requirements
  • Whether a separate planning application is needed
  • Property-specific approvals or restrictions

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Building Permit Applications
.

What Should a Salt Lake City Site Plan Show?

Salt Lake City’s residential login checklist identifies the information expected on a residential site plan. The precise content depends on the project, but the drawing commonly includes the following elements.

Site-plan element What the drawing should communicate
Property boundaries The complete parcel outline, lot dimensions and available verified property-line information.
Existing residence The house footprint, dimensions and position within the property.
Existing improvements Garages, carports, sheds, decks, patios, driveways, walkways and retaining walls.
Proposed construction A clearly labeled footprint showing the proposed location, length, width and overhangs.
Setback dimensions The shortest distances from the project and its overhangs to the front, side and rear property lines.
Easements Known utility, drainage, access and other easements shown on available property records.
Hard surfaces Driveways, walkways, patios, parking areas, sidewalks, curb and gutter.
Utilities Existing and proposed water, sewer and subsurface drainage facilities when applicable.
Topography and walls Topographic information for applicable sloping lots and the locations of retaining walls.
Fire-access information The nearest fire hydrant and required wildfire defensible-space information where applicable.
Drawing information Property address, scale, north arrow, street names, notes and revision date.

Official source:

Salt Lake City Residential One- or Two-Family Login Checklist
.

Drawing Scale and Sheet Size

A permit drawing must be scaled so reviewers can understand and verify the dimensions shown.

Salt Lake City’s published site-plan guidance states that site plans should be accurately drawn at a scale of at least 1 inch equals 20 feet and presented on sheets no smaller than 8½ by 11 inches.

The site plan should also include:

  • A clearly identified drawing scale
  • A north arrow
  • Readable labels and dimensions
  • The complete property rather than only the project area
  • Consistent information across all permit sheets

Official source:

Salt Lake City Site Plan Requirements
.

Property Lines and Lot Dimensions

The site plan should show the complete lot rather than only the portion where construction will occur.

Useful property information can come from:

  • A current boundary survey
  • A recorded subdivision plat
  • A deed description
  • A previous approved site plan
  • Reliable closing documents
  • Property records supplied by the owner

The drawing may show:

  • Each property-line dimension
  • Lot square footage
  • The direction from the curb or sidewalk to the property line
  • The width of the park strip
  • Adjacent streets or alleys
  • Recorded easements and rights-of-way

Do not assume the fence is the property line

An old fence, hedge, driveway edge or retaining wall does not necessarily identify the legal boundary. Exact boundary verification may require a Utah professional land surveyor.

Unsigned Site Plan Versus Licensed Survey

USA Site Plans prepares unsigned drawings using available property records and project information supplied by the customer.

An unsigned site plan can organize:

  • Property boundaries shown on supplied records
  • Existing buildings and improvements
  • The proposed project footprint
  • Customer-supplied setback dimensions
  • Driveways, patios and walkways
  • Known easements and utilities

The drawing does not independently establish or certify legal property boundaries.

A Utah licensed land surveyor may be needed when:

  • The project is close to a property line
  • Property corners cannot be located
  • The lot is narrow or irregular
  • Available property records conflict
  • An existing fence appears out of alignment
  • A neighbor disputes the boundary
  • The city requests verified boundary or elevation information

Why Setback Dimensions Matter

A setback is the distance between a building or structure and a property boundary.

Setback dimensions help zoning reviewers determine whether the proposed project is positioned correctly on the property.

The applicable setback can depend on:

  • The property’s zoning district
  • The type of residential structure
  • Whether the project is attached or detached
  • The lot’s size and configuration
  • Whether the property has multiple street frontages
  • The location of the existing house
  • Building height and roof form
  • Recorded easements
  • A planned-development approval
  • A historic district or landmark designation

Salt Lake City maintains an online zoning map that can help identify the zoning district associated with an address. The city recommends confirming the information with Planning because recently adopted changes may not immediately appear on the map.

Official resources:

Salt Lake City Zoning

and

Salt Lake City Zoning Map
.


Include roof overhangs and projections

Salt Lake City’s checklist specifically identifies overhang setbacks. Show roof overhangs, decks, stairs, balconies and other projections that may extend closer to a property line than the main wall.

Existing and Proposed Structures

The site plan should clearly distinguish what already exists from what will be built.

Existing improvements may include:

  • The main residence
  • Attached or detached garages
  • Carports
  • Sheds and accessory buildings
  • Decks and porches
  • Patios
  • Swimming pools
  • Driveways and parking areas
  • Retaining walls
  • Air-conditioning equipment

The proposed work should be clearly labeled and dimensioned. Dashed lines, shading or clear notes can help distinguish proposed work from existing features.

The site-plan dimensions should agree with the floor plans and other construction documents. If the architectural plans show a 12-foot by 20-foot addition, the site plan should show the same footprint.

Driveways, Walkways and Parking Areas

Salt Lake City’s residential checklist identifies driveways, walkways and patios as hard-surface areas that should be shown on the site plan.

Relevant access information may include:

  • Adjacent street and alley names
  • Existing driveway location
  • Proposed driveway or driveway widening
  • Curb cuts
  • Garage or carport entrance
  • Parking spaces
  • Sidewalks and walkways
  • Patios and other paved areas
  • Access points to public streets or alleys
  • Curb and gutter elevations when indicated in subdivision documents

Work affecting a public street, alley, sidewalk, curb or right-of-way may require additional Engineering or Transportation approval.

Easements and Utilities

Easements can restrict where foundations, buildings, pools, walls and other permanent improvements may be placed.

Common easements include:

  • Utility easements
  • Drainage easements
  • Sewer easements
  • Access easements
  • Shared-driveway easements
  • Water-line easements

Salt Lake City’s residential checklist also asks for existing and proposed utility information, including:

  • Water service
  • Sanitary sewer service
  • Subsurface drainage facilities
  • Other utilities affected by the proposed work

A drafted site plan can display utility information supplied by the owner, utility provider or project professional. It does not independently locate underground services.

Retaining Walls, Slopes and Topography

Salt Lake City requires topographic details on the residential site plan when the lot slope is greater than 10%.

The drawing or supporting documents may need to show:

  • Existing and proposed contour lines
  • Spot elevations
  • Finished-floor elevation
  • Areas of excavation and fill
  • Retaining-wall locations
  • Wall heights
  • Drainage direction
  • Slopes above and below walls
  • Driveways or structures supported by a wall

Salt Lake City’s current design criteria state that a geotechnical report may be required for residential projects where the slope is at least 15%, where the project exceeds specified size thresholds or where other site conditions trigger professional review.

The residential checklist also calls for a geotechnical report, slope-stability evaluation and retaining-wall design where the lot slope exceeds 15% or when required by the city.

Official resources:

Salt Lake City Design Criteria

and

Residential Login Checklist
.


A standard drafted plan is not a topographic survey

Professionally verified elevations, slope-stability analysis, retaining-wall engineering and geotechnical recommendations are separate services when required.

Site Development and Land Disturbance

Projects involving substantial grading, excavation, drainage or site work may require a separate Site Development Permit.

Salt Lake City’s site-development checklist identifies documents such as:

  • A vicinity map
  • Property lines and boundary dimensions
  • Existing and proposed access points
  • Grading plans
  • Drainage plans and calculations
  • Utility plans
  • Erosion-control plans
  • A soils report
  • Temporary shoring information where needed

Site-development plans require professional preparation and certification when the city’s checklist applies. A standard unsigned residential site plan is not a replacement for engineered grading or drainage documents.

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Site Development Login Checklist
.

Stormwater and Drainage

A home project can change how stormwater moves across the property, especially when it creates new roofs, patios, driveways or disturbed soil.

The residential application checklist requires a statement confirming that the applicant will obtain the applicable stormwater permit before land disturbance and comply with local requirements during construction.

Depending on the project, the site plan or supporting documents may identify:

  • Existing drainage direction
  • Proposed surface-water flow
  • Roof-drainage discharge
  • Subsurface drainage facilities
  • Catch basins
  • Detention or retention areas
  • Erosion and sediment controls
  • Limits of disturbance

Detailed stormwater design and calculations may require a licensed civil engineer.

Floodplain Properties

Some Salt Lake City properties are located within mapped flood-hazard areas.

Public Utilities can help determine whether a property is in a flood zone and explain the additional development rules that may apply.

A floodplain project may require information such as:

  • The applicable flood zone
  • Floodplain boundaries
  • Existing ground elevations
  • Proposed finished-floor elevation
  • Areas of excavation or fill
  • Drainage information
  • Elevation Certificates
  • Flood-resistant construction details

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Stormwater and Flood Control
.

Wildland-Urban Interface Requirements

Some properties near foothills, open space or wildfire-prone vegetation may be subject to Utah Wildland-Urban Interface requirements.

When applicable, Salt Lake City’s residential checklist asks the site plan to include:

  • Required defensible-space provisions
  • Relevant site elevations
  • The nearest fire-hydrant location
  • Building and access relationships

Other project documents may need to address:

  • Fire-department access
  • Vegetation management
  • Ignition-resistant construction
  • Driveway width or slope
  • Water supply
  • Separation between buildings and vegetation

Confirm whether these requirements apply before finalizing the building location.

Public Trees and the Park Strip

Salt Lake City’s site-plan guidance asks applicants to show the park-strip layout, existing and proposed street trees, curb cuts and public-way improvements.

The city requires public trees to be protected during construction. Work involving excavation, landscaping or other disturbance near a city tree may require coordination with Urban Forestry.

The site plan may need to show:

  • Existing street trees
  • Proposed street trees
  • Park-strip dimensions
  • Tree-protection areas
  • Driveways and curb cuts
  • Sidewalks
  • Construction access near trees

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Construction Resources
.

Historic Districts and Landmark Properties

A property within a local historic district or designated as a local landmark requires Planning approval for exterior changes.

Projects that may require historic review include:

  • New houses
  • Home additions
  • Decks and porches
  • Detached garages
  • Accessory dwelling units
  • Exterior alterations
  • Demolition or relocation

A site plan can help reviewers understand:

  • The relationship between proposed work and the existing house
  • Visibility from streets and public spaces
  • The placement of accessory buildings
  • Driveways and parking
  • Property boundaries
  • Existing and proposed footprints

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Historic Preservation Applications
.

Accessory Dwelling Units

A detached accessory dwelling unit requires site review even when a pre-approved building plan is used.

The site plan can help show:

  • The existing primary residence
  • The proposed ADU footprint
  • Distances to property lines
  • Distance between the ADU and existing buildings
  • Driveways and pedestrian access
  • Parking where applicable
  • Easements and utilities
  • Retaining walls and slope conditions

Salt Lake City offers several pre-approved ADU building plans, but the city explains that a site review is still required for the individual property.

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Accessory Dwelling Unit Standard Plans
.

Swimming Pools and Spas

Residential swimming pools deeper than 24 inches and spas require permits in Salt Lake City.

A pool site plan may need to identify:

  • The pool or spa dimensions
  • Distances to property lines
  • Distance to the house and accessory structures
  • Pool-equipment location
  • Decking or paved areas
  • Barrier and gate locations
  • Overhead and underground electrical clearances
  • Backwash or drainage disposal
  • Existing utility and drainage easements

Barrier requirements must be shown on pool permit plans even when the barrier is not included in the pool contractor’s immediate scope of work.

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Private Residential Pool and Spa Checklist
.

Current Residential Building Codes

Salt Lake City follows building and fire codes adopted and amended by the State of Utah, together with applicable city ordinances.

The city’s current design-criteria page lists:


Residential and building

The 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Existing Building Code.

Mechanical and plumbing

The 2021 International Mechanical, Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes.

Electrical

The 2023 National Electrical Code, together with applicable state amendments.

A site plan does not replace the architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical or energy documents required for the building permit.

Official resource:

Salt Lake City Building Design Criteria
.

Other Drawings That May Be Required

The site plan explains where the project will be located. A complete residential permit package may also need:

  • Floor plans for each level
  • Exterior elevations for new construction
  • Foundation plans
  • Structural framing plans
  • Building sections
  • Door, window and egress information
  • Electrical plans
  • Mechanical plans
  • Plumbing plans
  • Energy-code documentation
  • Structural calculations
  • Fire-suppression information where required
  • A geotechnical report for applicable sites
  • Licensed professional stamps when required by law

The site plan should agree with every other drawing. Structure dimensions, locations, overhangs and revision dates should remain consistent across the complete plan set.

Online Permit and Plan Submission

Salt Lake City requires permit applications to be submitted electronically through the Citizen Access Portal.

After the permit application is submitted, applicants receive instructions to upload construction documents to ProjectDox when plan review is required.

The city’s concurrent electronic-review process can involve:

  • Building Code
  • Structural Code
  • Fire Code
  • Zoning and Planning
  • Public Utilities
  • Engineering
  • Transportation
  • Urban Forestry

For easier electronic review:

  • Use clear file names
  • Keep the property address consistent on every document
  • Upload readable drawings at the appropriate sheet size
  • Show the drawing scale
  • Use clear dimensions and labels
  • Distinguish existing and proposed work
  • Coordinate the site plan with the remaining permit drawings
  • Include the current revision date
  • Complete the required residential login checklist
  • Replace every affected sheet when responding to comments

Official resources:

Salt Lake City Building Permits

and

General Permitting Process
.

What to Provide When Ordering Your Site Plan

Reliable property and project information helps produce a clearer plan and reduces avoidable revisions.

Provide as much of the following as possible:

  • Complete Salt Lake City property address
  • Parcel number
  • Current property survey
  • Recorded subdivision plat
  • Previous approved site plan
  • Existing house plans
  • Project description
  • Proposed structure dimensions
  • Desired project location
  • Distances to property boundaries
  • Roof-overhang dimensions
  • Photographs of the project area
  • Hand-drawn sketch or marked image
  • Builder or manufacturer drawings
  • Driveway and parking information
  • Known easements
  • Utility information
  • Retaining-wall details
  • Existing or proposed elevations
  • Slope or floodplain information
  • Comments received from city staff

You can also review our

step-by-step guide to creating a site plan

to understand the information used to prepare a residential drawing.

A Practical Salt Lake City Permit Process

1
Confirm jurisdiction
Verify that the property is located within incorporated Salt Lake City.
2
Define the project
Confirm exactly what will be constructed, enlarged, altered or removed.
3
Gather property records
Collect the survey, plat, parcel information, photographs and available plans.
4
Check site controls
Review zoning, setbacks, easements, slope, floodplain, wildfire and historic requirements.
5
Prepare the site plan
Show the complete lot, existing structures, proposed work and relevant dimensions.
6
Coordinate the drawings
Make sure the site plan agrees with architectural, structural and trade documents.
7
Submit electronically
Apply through Citizen Access and upload the required documents through ProjectDox.
8
Respond to comments
Update every affected sheet and wait for permit issuance before construction begins.

Common Salt Lake City Site Plan Mistakes

  • Showing only the proposed project instead of the complete lot
  • Leaving out one or more property boundaries
  • Failing to identify the drawing scale
  • Omitting the north arrow
  • Leaving out front, side or rear setback dimensions
  • Failing to show roof-overhang setbacks
  • Using an existing fence as the assumed property boundary
  • Leaving out garages, sheds, decks or patios
  • Failing to distinguish existing and proposed work
  • Using site-plan dimensions that conflict with the floor plans
  • Leaving out driveways, walkways or parking areas
  • Ignoring recorded easements
  • Leaving out utility information where required
  • Ignoring retaining walls or slope conditions
  • Failing to provide topography for an applicable sloping lot
  • Overlooking wildfire or nearest-hydrant information
  • Overlooking floodplain or historic review
  • Failing to protect public trees during construction
  • Submitting unreadable electronic files
  • Using an outdated drawing revision

Salt Lake City Residential Site Plan Checklist

  • Correct property address shown
  • Parcel information included
  • North arrow included
  • Drawing scale identified
  • Complete property outline shown
  • Lot dimensions included
  • Lot size identified
  • Adjacent street and alley shown
  • Existing residence shown
  • Existing accessory structures shown
  • Proposed construction clearly labeled
  • Proposed length and width included
  • Roof overhangs shown
  • Front setback dimensioned
  • Side setbacks dimensioned
  • Rear setback dimensioned
  • Distance to other structures shown
  • Driveways and parking shown
  • Walkways and patios shown
  • Known easements shown
  • Water and sewer information shown
  • Retaining walls shown
  • Topography shown when required
  • Curb and gutter elevations included when applicable
  • Nearest fire hydrant shown
  • Wildfire provisions shown when required
  • Floodplain status checked
  • Historic status checked
  • Site plan matches construction drawings
  • Current revision date included

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Salt Lake City home project require a site plan?

No. The documents depend on the work. Projects that create or enlarge a building footprint, add an accessory structure, install a pool, modify access or affect setbacks are more likely to require a site plan.

What must a residential site plan show?

Salt Lake City’s current checklist identifies the drawing scale, north arrow, lot and structure dimensions, setbacks, overhang setbacks, easements, property lines, hard surfaces, utilities, streets, retaining walls and certain slope and wildfire information when applicable.

Can an unsigned site plan establish my property boundary?

No. An unsigned drafted plan can show property lines based on supplied records, but it does not establish or certify the legal boundary. A Utah professional land surveyor may be required.

Does a sloping property need topographic information?

Salt Lake City’s residential checklist requires topographic details when the lot slope is greater than 10%. A geotechnical report and slope-stability information may be required for slopes over 15% or when requested by the city.

Can I apply for the permit online?

Yes. Permit applications are submitted through the Citizen Access Portal, and construction documents are uploaded to ProjectDox when plan review is required.

What residential building code does Salt Lake City use?

Salt Lake City’s current design-criteria page lists the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code among its adopted codes.

Does a site plan include structural engineering?

No. A site plan shows where the project sits on the property. Foundations, framing, beams, footings, retaining-wall design and structural calculations are separate documents.

How quickly can USA Site Plans prepare the drawing?

USA Site Plans offers a standard 24-hour turnaround for typical unsigned residential drafting orders when sufficient property records, dimensions and project information are supplied.

Does a fast permit plan guarantee approval?

No. Approval depends on the property, project, zoning, adopted codes and review by Salt Lake City and other responsible agencies.

Related USA Site Plan Guides


Residential Site Plan Services
Review the property and permit drawings available from USA Site Plans.


What Is a Site Plan?
Learn how a site plan shows property boundaries, structures, access and proposed work.


How to Create a Site Plan
Review the property information and dimensions used to prepare a residential drawing.


Order Your Site Plan
Submit your Salt Lake City property and project information through the online order form.

Order a Fast Residential Permit Plan for Salt Lake City

Send us the property address, proposed dimensions, project location, photographs and any available survey, recorded plat, builder drawing or permit comments.


Order Your Salt Lake City Site Plan

Final Thoughts

A clear Salt Lake City residential site plan should make the complete property and proposed project easy to understand.

The drawing should show property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, overhangs, access, hard-surface areas, easements and other relevant site conditions.

Depending on the property, the permit process may also involve topographic information, retaining-wall engineering, stormwater review, wildfire requirements, floodplain approval, historic review or public-tree protection.

Fast drafting can help you prepare for submission sooner, but reliable property records and consistent project dimensions remain essential.

Ready to begin?

Order your Salt Lake City residential permit site plan
.

Official Salt Lake City Resources


Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not constitute legal, zoning, surveying, architectural, engineering, structural, geotechnical, grading, drainage, floodplain, wildfire, historic-preservation, building-code or permit-approval advice. Requirements depend on the property, zoning district, slope, project scope and current instructions from Salt Lake City. USA Site Plans provides unsigned drafting services based on supplied property records and project information. An unsigned drafted site plan does not establish legal boundaries or replace a licensed surveyor, architect, engineer or other professional when one is required.