A site plan is the sheet the permit clerk looks at first. It shows the lot, what is on it, what you are adding, and how far everything sits from the property lines. If it is unscaled, undimensioned or missing a setback, your application stops there.
What is on a permit-ready site plan
- Property boundaries with dimensions and bearings taken from the recorded plat or your survey
- North arrow, drawn scale and a title block with the address and parcel number
- Existing structures, driveways, walks, decks, pools and slabs
- The proposed work, clearly distinguished from what already exists
- Setback dimensions from each property line to each structure, front, rear and both sides
- Easements, rights of way and building lines as recorded
- Lot coverage and impervious area calculations against the zoning limit
- Utilities, septic and well locations with required separation distances
- Grading, drainage arrows and spot elevations where the jurisdiction asks for them
- Parking, access and turning where applicable
Why permits get rejected for the site plan
In our experience the same handful of reasons come back again and again: a plan drawn without a scale, a setback that does not meet the zoning table, impervious coverage over the limit, a structure sitting on an easement, no septic separation shown, or a plan that simply does not match the survey on file. We check all of those before the sheet is sealed, which is the difference between one submission and three.
What we need from you
- The address or parcel number
- Your survey if you have one, if not, we work from the recorded plat and county GIS data where that is accepted
- What you are building, with rough dimensions and where you would like it
- Any comment letter or checklist the city or county gave you
What you receive
- A scaled, dimensioned site or plot plan as a print-ready PDF
- A zoning check against the setback, height and coverage limits for your parcel
- A PE seal and signature where the jurisdiction requires a sealed plan
- Revisions and reviewer responses until the submission is accepted
Turnaround and price
Most residential site plans are delivered in 24 to 72 hours. Pricing is a fixed fee quoted before any work starts, and simple lots sit at the low end of our range. Stamped plans and plans requiring grading or drainage design are quoted with the civil scope included.
Common uses
Fences, sheds, garages and carports. Pools, spas and pool barriers. Decks, patios, pergolas and driveways. ADUs and additions. Septic permits and well permits. Variance and zoning applications. New home builds and lot splits.
Common questions
Is a site plan the same as a survey?
No. A survey is field-measured by a licensed surveyor and establishes the boundary. A site plan is a drawing that shows your proposal on the lot. Many jurisdictions accept a site plan drawn from a recorded plat; some require it to be based on a current survey. We will tell you which applies to your parcel before you spend anything.
Does the site plan need an engineer’s stamp?
It depends on the jurisdiction and the scope. Many simple residential permits accept an unsealed scaled plan. Where a seal is required, we provide one from an engineer licensed in your state.
Can you work from my old survey?
Usually yes, if the boundary has not changed. Send it and we will confirm.
Next step
Send your address and what you want to build through the quote form. You get a fixed price and a delivery date, usually within the hour. For grading, drainage or stormwater work, see civil engineering.