Site Plan for Permit in Washington, DC | Residential Plans

A Washington, DC residential plot plan shows the property from above. It identifies the official lot, existing buildings, proposed construction, project dimensions, yard measurements, streets, alleys, driveways, parking areas, trees and relevant public-space features.

Washington has an important requirement that differs from many other cities. Exterior work on a one- or two-family dwelling generally requires a building plat certified by the DC Surveyor.

USA Site Plans can use the customer-supplied certified building plat as the base for showing existing conditions and proposed improvements. We do not issue or certify the official DC building plat.

What Is a Washington, DC Residential Plot Plan?

A residential plot plan is a scaled or dimensioned overhead drawing showing how buildings and other improvements are arranged within a property.

It can show:

• Official lot boundaries
• Recorded lot dimensions
• The existing house
• Rear and side additions
• Garages and sheds
• Decks, porches and stairs
• Driveways and parking areas
• Alleys and public streets
• Proposed construction
• Distances to property lines
• Lot occupancy
• Trees and public-space features
• North arrow and drawing scale

A plot plan differs from a floor plan. A floor plan shows the rooms, walls, doors, windows and interior arrangement of a building. A plot plan shows where the building and exterior improvements sit within the lot.

The plot plan is normally only one part of the permit package. Depending on the project, DOB may also require:

• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Framing and structural details
• Foundation drawings
• Energy documents
• Product information
• Historic-preservation approval
• Public-space plans
• Tree-protection information
• Drawings signed or sealed by licensed professionals

The DC Building Plat Requirement

The DC Department of Buildings defines a building plat as a scaled drawing of a lot showing its lot lines and record dimensions.

DOB’s current permitting guidance states that building plats are required for exterior work on one- and two-family dwellings, excluding roof-mounted solar systems. The plat must:

• Show the official lot lines
• Show the recorded lot dimensions
• Show all existing structures drawn to scale
• Be certified by the DC Surveyor
• Identify the proposed exterior work

Interior-only work, such as a bathroom renovation with no exterior construction, generally does not require a building plat.

Official source: DC Department of Buildings — Overview of the Permitting Process .

Current ProjectDox plat requirements

DOB’s current ProjectDox applicant guidance states that a DC Surveyor’s plat is required for new buildings, construction and equipment outside the existing structure.

The guide instructs applicants to provide a plat that:

• Was issued no more than two years earlier
• Is signed by the DC Office of the Surveyor
• Is signed by the property owner or authorised agent
• Shows all existing structures
• Shows new construction and exterior equipment
• Is uploaded to the ProjectDox supporting-documents folder

Applicants should follow the current residential checklist because DOB may update submission procedures or document requirements.

Official source: DOB ProjectDox Applicant User Guide .

How to Obtain a DC Building Plat

Building plats can be ordered from the DC Office of the Surveyor through its Citizens Access Portal.

You will generally need:

• The property address
• The official square number
• The official lot number
• An online account
• Payment of the applicable plat fee

The Office of the Surveyor only prepares building plats for active lots appearing in the current tax database.

After proposed improvements have been added, the plat may need a digital certification signature before submission.

Official sources: Get a Building Plat and Ordering a Building Plat Online .

Projects That Commonly Need a DC Plot Plan

A building plat or plot plan is commonly required when a residential project changes the exterior footprint, yard arrangement, access or placement of improvements.

What a Washington, DC Plot Plan Should Show

The exact requirements depend on the project, property, zoning review and current DOB checklist.

1. Property address, square and lot

Identify:

• Complete property address
• Official square number
• Official lot number
• Project title
• Scope of work
• Preparation or revision date

Square and lot numbers connect the permit application to the official Surveyor’s Office and land records.

2. Official property boundaries

Show the complete official lot rather than only the immediate project area.

The certified building plat provides:

• Front lot line
• Side lot lines
• Rear lot line
• Recorded lot dimensions
• Official lot shape

Do not use an aerial-image parcel outline as proof of a legal boundary. Online maps can support research, but the official plat or licensed field survey controls when certified information is required.

3. Existing house and structures

Relevant existing improvements can include:

• Main dwelling
• Rear or side extensions
• Porches and decks
• Exterior stairs and landings
• Garages and sheds
• Parking pads
• Driveways
• Patios and paved areas
• Fences and retaining walls
• Exterior mechanical equipment

DOB requires existing structures to be drawn to scale on the building plat.

4. Proposed construction

The proposed work should be easy to distinguish from existing construction.

Use:

• A clear “PROPOSED” label
• Different hatching or shading
• A distinct line style
• A heavier outline
• An existing-and-proposed legend

Show the complete proposed footprint, including relevant:

• Walls
• Deck or porch areas
• Stairs and landings
• Supporting posts
• Roof projections
• Equipment pads
• New paving

5. Proposed project dimensions

Show the overall length and width of the project.

For an irregular structure, include enough dimensions to define the complete proposed shape.

The site dimensions should agree with the floor plans, elevations and permit application.

DOB’s addition-permit guidance states that additions must include a surveyor’s plat showing the existing and proposed structures and their dimensions.

Official source: DOB Addition, Alteration and Repair Permit .

6. Front, rear and side-yard measurements

Show measurable distances between the proposed work and the relevant lot lines.

Depending on the project, this can include:

• Front-yard depth
• Rear-yard depth
• Side-yard width
• Court dimensions
• Distance to another building
• Distance to a public alley
• Distance to a building restriction line

Do not assume a standard setback applies throughout Washington. Required yards depend on zoning, lot type, building configuration, use and previous zoning approvals.

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

7. Streets, sidewalks and alleys

Label adjoining:

• Public streets
• Public alleys
• Sidewalks
• Tree spaces
• Driveways
• Curb cuts
• Vehicle-access routes

Alleys are particularly important for many DC rowhouse properties because garages, parking, waste collection, utilities and construction access may depend on the alley.

8. Public space and private property

The space between the private property line and the curb may be public space even when the homeowner maintains the grass, steps, landscaping or walkway.

A clear plan should distinguish:

• Private property
• Public sidewalk
• Tree space
• Street or roadway
• Parking lane
• Driveway apron
• Public-space stairs, fences or retaining walls

Work within public space can require a separate DDOT permit.

9. Trees and construction impacts

Trees near the proposed work may affect excavation, construction access, paving and project placement.

Relevant information may include:

• Tree location
• Tree circumference or size
• Whether the tree is private or within public space
• Distance from proposed excavation
• Whether the tree will remain or be removed
• Construction-access route
• Tree-protection area

Separate Urban Forestry approval may be required for protected private trees or public street trees.

10. Driveways, curb cuts and parking

Show:

• Existing and proposed driveway
• Driveway width
• Curb cut
• Parking pad
• Garage access
• Alley access
• Parking-space dimensions
• Public sidewalk
• Nearby street trees and utility features

A driveway or curb-cut project may require both DOB zoning review and DDOT public-space approval.

11. Fences, gates and retaining walls

Identify:

• Complete proposed alignment
• Proposed height
• Materials or wall type
• Gate locations
• Property-line relationship
• Street and sidewalk relationship
• Driveways and visibility
• Public-space portions

A front-yard fence or wall may appear to be on private property while actually extending into public space. The property line should be easy to identify.

12. Existing and proposed lot occupancy

Lot occupancy can affect additions, decks, garages, sheds and other structures.

The plan may need to identify:

• Total lot area
• Existing building area
• Existing accessory-structure area
• Proposed additional area
• Total proposed building area
• Existing lot occupancy
• Proposed lot occupancy
• Maximum permitted lot occupancy

A project can fit physically within a yard but still exceed the maximum lot occupancy allowed by zoning.

13. North arrow, scale and labels

Include:

• North arrow
• Written drawing scale
• Graphic scale bar when helpful
• Readable dimensions
• Existing and proposed labels
• Legend for line styles or hatching
• Clear project notes

The reviewer should be able to understand the property and project without guessing what a line or shaded area represents.

Check the Property’s Zoning Before Finalizing the Project

The DC Office of Zoning provides an official interactive map for researching the zoning classification of properties throughout the District.

Zoning can affect:

• Maximum lot occupancy
• Front, rear and side yards
• Building height
• Accessory-building placement
• Courts and open-space requirements
• Parking and driveway arrangements
• Whether zoning relief may be required

The official interactive zoning map is updated regularly. Static PDF maps may not reflect the newest changes.

Official source: DC Office of Zoning — Official Zoning Maps .

Washington, DC Addition Plot Plans

A rear, side or upper-level addition changes the principal building’s footprint, length or height.

An addition plot plan may need to show:

• Existing building footprint
• Proposed addition footprint
• Addition length and width
• Rear- and side-yard measurements
• Existing decks, porches and stairs
• Nearby garages and sheds
• Public alley and parking
• Trees near the construction area
• Existing and proposed lot occupancy

Floor plans and elevations remain separate documents. The plot plan explains where the addition sits within the lot; the architectural drawings explain its interior arrangement, exterior appearance and construction.

Deck and Porch Plot Plans

A deck or porch permit package commonly includes a building plat and separate construction drawings.

The plot plan may show:

• Deck or porch footprint
• Outside dimensions
• Distance to side and rear lot lines
• Connection to the existing house
• Stairs and landings
• Supporting posts where relevant
• Fences and gates
• Nearby garages, sheds and trees
• Public alley or rear access
• Lot-occupancy calculation

Separate construction drawings explain beams, joists, footings, stairs, guards, handrails and structural connections.

Shed and Detached Garage Plot Plans

A shed, detached garage, workshop or studio should be shown in relation to the main house, property boundaries, alley, parking and required yards.

The drawing may identify:

• Structure footprint
• Overall dimensions
• Proposed height when relevant
• Rear- and side-yard measurements
• Distance to the existing house
• Other accessory structures
• Garage doors and alley access
• Driveway or parking pad
• Trees and retaining walls
• Existing and proposed lot occupancy

Driveway and Parking Plot Plans

Driveway, curb-cut and parking projects can affect both private property and public space.

A useful plan should show:

• Existing and proposed driveway
• Parking-pad dimensions
• Garage and house
• Private property line
• Public sidewalk
• Tree space
• Driveway apron
• Curb cut
• Street trees
• Utility features
• Fences, gates and retaining walls
• Connection to the street or alley

DDOT requires a Public Space Permit when work occupies, constructs or installs something within publicly owned property between the property lines of a street, park or other public property. This includes roadway, sidewalk, tree-space and parking areas.

Official source: DDOT Public Space Permit Requirements .

Historic Properties and Preservation Review

Washington contains numerous historic districts and individually designated landmarks.

Owners of historic properties follow the normal building-permit process, but historic-preservation review is added when permit work affects the exterior appearance of the property.

Projects may require review by:

• DC Historic Preservation Office
• Historic Preservation Review Board
• Commission of Fine Arts
• Another property-specific design-review body

Check historic status before finalizing additions, decks, porches, garages, fences or other visible exterior improvements.

Official source: DC Office of Planning — Building Permits for Historic Property .

Trees and Construction Review

Private trees and public street trees can affect the placement and construction of additions, decks, garages, driveways, retaining walls and utilities.

Construction activities that can affect trees include:

• Foundation excavation
• Retaining-wall excavation
• Utility trenching
• Driveway and parking construction
• Heavy-equipment access
• Grading or soil removal
• Deck and fence footings

Special and heritage trees are subject to separate District protection requirements. Work near public street trees may require DDOT Urban Forestry coordination.

Official source: DDOT Urban Forestry — Tree Permitting .

Building Plat vs Plot Plan vs Boundary Survey

These documents serve different purposes.

A drafted plot plan does not:

• Certify a legal property boundary
• Replace a DC Surveyor-certified building plat
• Replace a field boundary survey
• Provide structural engineering
• Replace architectural or construction plans

A licensed surveyor may be required when:

• The boundary is uncertain or disputed
• Property corners cannot be found
• The project is very close to a lot line
• Field-verified elevations are required
• The project involves subdivision or alley closure
• DOB or another reviewer requests certified field information

A Wall Check May Be Required During Construction

Some projects require a wall check after foundation walls, retaining walls or other exterior construction features are placed.

A wall check confirms the constructed location in relation to:

• Property lines
• The approved building plat
• The approved permit drawings
• Required yards
• Other structures

A wall check is not the same as the original plot plan. It is a later field-verification step performed during construction.

Failure to obtain a required wall check can affect inspections or prevent the project from moving to its next construction stage.

Official source: DC Department of Buildings — Wall Checks .

Current Washington, DC Permit Submission Process

DOB reviews applications and plan drawings digitally.

Effective October 20, 2025, DOB requires residential and commercial applicants to complete an online checklist identifying the minimum plan-review requirements before submitting a permit application.

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

The application may be routed to:

• Zoning review
• Structural review
• Mechanical and plumbing review
• Electrical review
• Energy and green-building review
• Fire review
• Historic Preservation
• DDOT public-space review
• Urban Forestry
• Department of Energy and Environment
• DC Water

Each applicable discipline must approve the plans before final permit issuance.

Official sources: DOB ProjectDox and Permitting in the District of Columbia .

What to Send With Your DC Site Plan Order

Complete source information helps reduce drafting questions.

For driveway, curb-cut, sidewalk, retaining-wall or front-yard work, provide photographs and dimensions showing the private property line and adjoining public space.

How Our Washington, DC Drafting Service Works

1. Place your order. Choose the site-plan level matching the required detail.
2. Provide the property address. Include the square and lot numbers when available.
3. Upload the certified building plat. DOB generally requires this official base document for exterior residential work.
4. Describe the project. Provide the proposed dimensions and scope.
5. Mark the proposed location. Send a sketch, photographs or architectural plans.
6. Review the draft. Confirm the project location, labels and dimensions.
7. Request reasonable edits. Changes can be made within the original scope or in response to site-plan review comments.

The usefulness and accuracy of the completed drawing depend on the quality of the building plat, measurements, photographs and project information supplied.

Common Washington, DC Plot Plan Mistakes

• The DC Surveyor-certified building plat is missing
• The plat is outdated under the current submission guidance
• The required plat signatures are missing
• The square or lot number is incorrect
• Existing structures are omitted
• The proposed project is not clearly labelled
• Proposed dimensions are missing
• Rear- or side-yard measurements are missing
• The alley or parking area is omitted
• Public space is shown as private property
• Curb cuts or driveway aprons are not shown
• Trees near construction are omitted
• Lot occupancy is missing or inconsistent
• Historic status is discovered late
• The drawing conflicts with the floor plans
• The required residential checklist is not uploaded
• A drafted plan is submitted where a licensed survey or sealed plan is required

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits for additional examples.

Washington, DC Plot Plan Review Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Washington, DC residential project require a building plat?

Exterior work on one- and two-family dwellings generally requires a building plat. Interior-only work generally does not, and DOB identifies a limited exception for roof-mounted solar systems.

Where do I get a DC building plat?

Building plats are ordered from the DC Office of the Surveyor through its online Citizens Access Portal or the other ordering methods listed by DOB.

Can USA Site Plans issue the certified building plat?

No. The official building plat must be issued and certified by the DC Surveyor. USA Site Plans can use the supplied plat as the base for showing existing and proposed improvements.

How recent must the building plat be?

DOB’s current ProjectDox applicant guidance states that the submitted DC Surveyor’s plat should have been issued no more than two years earlier. Confirm the requirement using the current checklist before submission.

Is a building plat the same as a boundary survey?

No. A building plat shows the official record lot and is used for permit applications. A field boundary survey is prepared by a licensed surveyor to locate or establish property boundaries on the ground.

Do proposed additions need to be shown on the plat?

Yes. DOB requires addition applications to include a surveyor’s plat showing the existing and proposed structures and their dimensions.

Do trees need to be shown?

Trees meeting the applicable DOB or Urban Forestry criteria should be shown. Trees near excavation, driveways, foundations or construction access can also affect review.

Do I need DDOT approval for a driveway or front-yard project?

Separate DDOT approval may be required when work enters public space, including the sidewalk, tree space, roadway, parking area or driveway apron outside the private property line.

Do historic properties require additional review?

Historic properties use the normal permit process, but preservation review is added when permit work affects the property’s exterior appearance.

Are USA Site Plans drawings signed or sealed?

No. Standard USA Site Plans drawings are not signed or sealed by a DC-licensed architect, engineer or land surveyor. Professional certification must be obtained separately when required.

Does ordering a plot plan guarantee permit approval?

No. DOB and other reviewing agencies control approval and may request revisions, surveys, calculations, public-space approval, preservation review or professionally sealed documents.

Official Washington, DC Resources

• DOB — Overview of the Permitting Process
• DOB — Get a Building Plat
• DOB — Ordering a Building Plat Online
• DOB — Addition, Alteration and Repair Permit
• DOB — ProjectDox
• DOB — ProjectDox Applicant User Guide
• DC Office of Zoning — Official Zoning Maps
• DDOT — Public Space Permit Requirements
• DC Office of Planning — Historic Property Permits
• DDOT Urban Forestry — Tree Permitting
• DOB — Wall Check Requirements

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, arboricultural, zoning or permitting advice. Washington, DC requirements vary according to the property, zoning, project scope, public-space conditions, historic status, trees and current agency procedures. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the DC Department of Buildings, DC Office of the Surveyor, DDOT, Office of Planning or Office of Zoning. A drafted plot plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a certified DC building plat, licensed boundary survey, engineering, architectural plans or another professionally sealed document when required.