Free Permit Requirement Checker for Site Plans: How I Check What Drawings a Building Permit May Need Before Submission

When I help someone prepare for a building permit, I do not start by asking, “Do you need a site plan?” I ask a better question:

What will your city need to see before it feels comfortable approving your project?

That question changes everything.

A permit application is not just a form. It is a review package. The city, county, or local building department wants to understand what you are building, where it sits on the property, how close it is to property lines, whether it affects utilities or easements, and whether the drawing is clear enough to review. In many cases, that means you may need a site plan, floor plan, elevation drawing, survey information, setback details, or a complete permit drawing package.

That is why I use a permit requirement checker for site plans as the first step. It helps homeowners, contractors, and property owners understand what drawings may be needed before they submit anything to the city.

This guide explains how I think through permit requirements, what cities commonly check, why site plans get rejected, and how a free online checker can help you avoid delays before they happen.

What Is a Permit Requirement Checker for a Site Plan?

A permit requirement checker for a site plan is a simple decision tool that helps you understand what drawings, details, and documents your local permit office may expect before reviewing your project.

It does not replace your city’s official permit office. It does not guarantee approval. But it gives you a practical starting point.

When someone uses a permit requirement checker, the tool usually asks questions like:

What type of project are you planning?

Are you building a fence, shed, deck, pool, ADU, garage, home addition, new home, commercial structure, or subdivision?

  • Have you already applied?
  • Did the city ask for drawings?
  • Did your permit get rejected?
  • Do you already have a survey or old site plan?
  • Do you know your setbacks?
  • Do you need a site plan only, or do you also need floor plans and elevation drawings?

These questions matter because each project type carries a different review risk. A simple fence may need a basic site plan showing property lines and fence location. A home addition may need a site plan, floor plan, elevation drawing, and setback information. A subdivision may need a more detailed land development drawing package.

Official city guidance supports this idea. Portland’s building permit plan guidance says a well-prepared site plan is one of the most important documents in the application and can reduce missing-information delays. The same guidance explains that residential projects may also require floor plans and other plan drawings depending on the work involved.

That is exactly why a checker helps. It organizes the project before the city sees it.

Why I Do Not Recommend Guessing Permit Requirements

I see many people make the same mistake. They assume a permit application only needs a quick sketch or a screenshot from Google Maps. Then the city sends the application back because the drawing does not show enough detail.

That delay can cost days, weeks, or even more if the correction cycle repeats.

Permit offices usually need drawings that are clear, scaled, and complete. For example, Portland’s site plan guide says a site plan should be drawn to scale, include a north arrow, be clear and reproducible, and show required property and project details. San Francisco’s permit plan guidance also explains that plans must show the location, nature, and extent of proposed work and must show that the work follows applicable building code requirements. It also lists dimensioned plot plan information such as lot lines and locations of proposed or existing structures.

This is why guessing is risky.

If the city cannot understand your project from the drawing, the review slows down. If property lines are missing, setbacks are not labeled, or existing and proposed work are unclear, the reviewer may not move forward. The issue is not always that the project is wrong. Sometimes the issue is that the drawing does not explain the project well enough.

A permit requirement checker helps you ask the right questions before submission.

What a City Commonly Checks on a Site Plan

Every jurisdiction has its own rules, but many building departments look for similar information. I usually review a site plan around these core items.

Property Lines and Lot Dimensions

The city wants to know the limits of the property. A site plan should show the lot shape, boundary lines, and dimensions. Without this, the reviewer cannot judge whether the proposed work fits within the legal property area.

Existing Structures

A good site plan shows what already exists on the property. That may include the house, garage, shed, driveway, pool, patio, deck, or other structures.

This matters because the city needs to understand how the new work relates to the existing site.

Proposed Work

The proposed structure or improvement must be clear. If you are adding a deck, the deck should be shown and labeled. If you are adding a shed, the shed should appear in the correct location. If you are building a garage, the footprint and access should be clear.

Setbacks

Setbacks are one of the most common reasons permit drawings need corrections. A setback is the required distance between a structure and a property line, easement, road, or other protected area.

If a drawing does not show setback distances, the reviewer may not be able to confirm that the project meets zoning requirements.

Scale and North Arrow

A permit drawing should not look like a random sketch. It should be drawn to scale and include a north arrow. Portland’s site plan guidance specifically highlights scale and north arrow requirements for site plans.

Driveways, Access, and Parking

For many projects, the city checks how people and vehicles enter the property. This is especially important for garages, ADUs, commercial work, subdivisions, and new construction.

Easements and Utilities

Some properties have utility easements, drainage easements, septic systems, wells, or other limitations. If the proposed work affects these areas, the reviewer may ask for more information.

Drainage and Grading

For pools, additions, commercial work, new homes, and sloped properties, the city may care about water flow, finished grade, and drainage direction.

Sacramento’s plan preparation guidance says a site plan should show items such as the direction of drainage, landscaping, sidewalks, property dimensions, adjoining streets, and existing/proposed structures with distances from buildings and property lines.

This is why a good checker does not only ask, “Do you need a site plan?” It asks what the project changes on the property.

What Drawings May Be Needed for a Building Permit?

A site plan is often the starting point, but it is not always the only drawing. Depending on the project, a city may ask for several types of drawings.

Site Plan or Plot Plan

A site plan shows the property from above. It usually includes property boundaries, structures, proposed work, setbacks, driveways, and other site details.

This is common for fences, sheds, decks, pools, additions, garages, ADUs, commercial projects, and subdivisions.

Floor Plan

A floor plan shows the interior layout of a structure. It shows rooms, walls, doors, windows, dimensions, and sometimes fixtures.

Floor plans are common for home additions, ADUs, garage conversions, commercial tenant improvements, new homes, and interior work.

Portland explains that floor plans show what you would see looking down at a floor and that projects may need one floor plan for each level where work is being done, clearly showing existing and proposed work.

Elevation Plan

An elevation drawing shows the outside face of a structure. It may show building height, rooflines, windows, doors, exterior materials, and finished grade.

Elevation plans are often required for home additions, ADUs, new homes, exterior changes, commercial work, and projects reviewed by HOAs or planning departments.

Manchester City Council’s planning guidance says elevations usually show all sides of proposed buildings and, for extensions or external alterations, should show the relationship between existing windows and door openings.

Roof Plan

Some projects need roof plans, especially where roof shape, drainage, height, or building form matters.

Section Drawing

A section drawing shows a vertical cut through part of the building. It may be needed for complex additions, grade changes, retaining walls, stairs, foundations, or height relationships.

Subdivision or Lot Split Plan

If the project involves dividing land, creating new lots, adjusting boundaries, or developing multiple parcels, a basic site plan is usually not enough. A subdivision design plan may be needed.

Survey

A survey is different from a site plan. A survey is prepared by a licensed surveyor and is used to establish legal property boundaries. A site plan may use survey data, parcel data, GIS information, and measurements to create a permit-ready drawing, but it does not replace a legal boundary survey.

This is why a permit requirement checker should ask whether the property owner already has a survey or old site plan.

How I Use a Permit Requirement Checker Before Starting a Drawing

When I use a permit requirement checker, I treat it like a pre-review conversation. I want to understand the project before recommending a drawing package.

Here is how I think through it.

Step 1: Identify the Project Type

  • The project type tells me the likely level of detail.
  • A fence usually needs location, property lines, and setbacks.
  • A shed needs structure size, placement, and distance from property lines.
  • A deck may need site placement plus structural or attachment information.
  • A pool may need utility clearances, barrier layout, equipment location, and drainage considerations.
  • An ADU usually needs site plan, floor plan, elevation drawing, parking or access notes, and utility information.

A subdivision needs a more advanced plan.

Step 2: Identify the Permit Stage

The stage changes the urgency.

  • If the person has not applied yet, I focus on prevention.
  • If the city asked for drawings, I focus on matching the checklist.
  • If the permit was rejected, I focus on correction comments.
  • If the person needs revisions, I focus on what the reviewer flagged.
  • If the person needs plans in 24 hours, I focus on the fastest accurate package.

Step 3: Identify Existing Documents

A project moves faster when the owner has useful documents. These may include:

  • A property address.
  • A survey.
  • An old site plan.
  • Measurements.
  • A city permit checklist.
  • Photos.
  • Sketches.
  • HOA requirements.
  • Correction comments.

If none of these are available, the project is not impossible, but the risk of missing details increases.

Step 4: Identify What the City Is Likely Reviewing

I want to know whether the city cares about setbacks, property lines, existing/proposed work, floor plan layout, elevation appearance, drainage, utilities, easements, parking, or lot coverage.

The checker should turn these answers into a practical recommendation.

Best Use Cases for a Site Plan Permit Requirement Checker

A permit requirement checker is especially helpful in these situations.

You Are Building a Fence

A fence seems simple, but cities often want to know where the fence sits relative to property lines, easements, sidewalks, and corners. If a property owner guesses, the city may ask for a better drawing.

A checker can confirm that a fence project usually starts with a basic site plan or plot plan.

You Are Adding a Shed

Sheds often trigger setback questions. Some cities allow small sheds without permits, but many still require permits based on size, height, foundation, utilities, or placement.

A checker helps the owner understand whether the shed location, size, and setbacks should be shown before submitting.

You Are Building a Deck or Patio

Decks can affect setbacks, structure, access, and sometimes impervious surface. A site plan may be required to show the deck footprint and distance from property lines.

You Are Installing a Pool

Pools are higher-risk because cities often review property lines, utility clearances, equipment pad location, safety barriers, drainage, and setbacks.

A checker should usually recommend a more detailed site plan for a pool.

You Are Building an ADU

An ADU is rarely just a basic site plan project. It may need a site plan, floor plan, elevation drawing, parking information, utilities, and lot coverage review.

You Are Adding a Home Addition

Additions often require site plan, floor plan, elevation drawing, and existing/proposed labels. The city needs to know how the addition changes the structure and property.

Your Permit Was Rejected

If the permit was rejected, the checker becomes even more useful. It helps organize the correction issue before a revised drawing is prepared.

Common correction issues include:

  • Missing setbacks.
  • Wrong scale.
  • Unclear property lines.
  • Existing and proposed work not separated.
  • Floor plan missing.
  • Elevation plan missing.
  • Lot coverage not shown.
  • Utilities or easements missing.
  • Drawing not readable.

Why a Permit Checker Should Not Promise Permit Approval

I believe a permit requirement checker should be honest. It should not say, “Your permit will be approved.” No online tool can guarantee that because each city has its own code, zoning rules, permit process, reviewer expectations, and project-specific issues.

A strong checker says something more accurate:

Based on your answers, your project may need these drawings before submission.

That is useful and honest.

It helps the user move forward without making a false promise.

The checker should also tell users to confirm final requirements with their local building department, especially for complex projects, commercial work, subdivisions, flood zones, historic districts, HOAs, and properties with boundary uncertainty.

This is important for E-E-A-T. A trustworthy page does not overclaim. It explains what the tool can do and what it cannot do.

What Makes a Permit Requirement Checker Actually Useful?

A weak checker only asks for a name and email. A strong checker provides a real result.

In my opinion, the best permit requirement checker should include these outputs.

Recommended Drawing Package

The user should see a clear answer such as:

  • Basic Site Plan.
  • Advanced Site Plan.
  • Professional Drawing Package.
  • Elite Rush Drawing Package.
  • Permit Revision Support Package.
  • Subdivision Design Plan Package.

This helps the user understand what level of detail they may need.

Likely Required Drawings

The checker should list likely drawings:

  • Site plan.
  • Floor plan.
  • Elevation plan.
  • Subdivision design plan.
  • Drafting support.
  • Drainage or grading notes.
  • Survey/boundary note.

Permit Risk Score

A risk score helps users understand how likely they are to run into missing-information issues.

Low risk means the project is simple and the user has enough information.

Medium risk means the project needs more detail.

High risk means the project is complex, the user lacks documents, or the permit has already been rejected.

Missing Information Checklist

The checker should show what may be missing. For example:

  • Property dimensions.
  • Setbacks.
  • Existing vs proposed work.
  • Scale and north arrow.
  • Survey or old plan.
  • City checklist.
  • Correction comments.
  • This is the part that helps people the most.

Next Step Recommendation

The checker should not leave the user confused. It should say what to do next.

For example:

  • Prepare a permit-ready site plan before submitting.
  • Send your correction notice for revision support.
  • Order a professional drawing package because your project likely needs site plan, floor plan, and elevation drawings.
  • Request a subdivision design plan because your project involves lot split or land development.

Common Reasons Site Plan Permits Get Delayed

I see delays happen for the same reasons again and again.

The Drawing Is Not to Scale

If the drawing is not scaled properly, reviewers may not trust the dimensions.

The North Arrow Is Missing

The north arrow helps reviewers understand orientation. It is a basic but important requirement in many site plan guides.

Property Lines Are Missing or Unclear

The city needs property boundaries to check placement and setbacks.

Setbacks Are Not Labeled

If setback distances are missing, the reviewer may not confirm zoning compliance.

Existing and Proposed Work Are Mixed Together

Reviewers need to know what exists now and what is being added or changed.

The Project Scope Is Unclear

A vague drawing creates questions. A clear drawing reduces back-and-forth.

Floor Plans or Elevations Are Missing

Some projects need more than a site plan. A home addition, ADU, garage conversion, or exterior change may need additional drawings.

The City Correction Notice Is Not Followed

When a permit is rejected, the revised drawing must directly address the correction comments. Guessing again usually causes another delay.

How This Tool Supports Homeowners

Homeowners often feel lost because permit language is not simple. They may not know the difference between a site plan, plot plan, survey, floor plan, and elevation plan.

A permit requirement checker gives them a guided path.

It helps them understand:

  • What drawing they may need.
  • Why the city asks for it.
  • What details should appear.
  • Whether the project is simple or complex.
  • Whether they should request professional drafting help.
  • This makes the process less stressful.

It also prevents the homeowner from ordering the wrong thing. For example, a homeowner may think they only need a basic site plan for an ADU, but the project may also need floor and elevation drawings.

How This Tool Supports Contractors

Contractors need speed. They do not want a project delayed because the drawing package is incomplete.

A checker helps contractors pre-screen projects before sending a client to the city.
It can also help contractors explain to clients why a better drawing package is needed.

For example, if a contractor is building a garage, the checker may flag driveway access, setbacks, structure placement, and possible floor plan needs.

That makes the contractor look more prepared and professional.

How This Tool Supports Developers and Property Investors

Developers and investors need clarity before spending money. A permit requirement checker helps them understand whether the project is a simple site plan issue or a more advanced land planning issue.

For subdivisions, lot splits, commercial sites, or multi-structure projects, the checker can point toward subdivision design plans, professional site plans, parking/access layout, easements, or utility considerations.

That makes the tool valuable beyond basic homeowner projects.

How to Use the Free Permit Requirement Checker

Here is the simple process I recommend.

1. Choose Your Project Type

Start by selecting what you are planning.

  • Fence.
  • Shed.
  • Deck.
  • Pool.
  • Garage.
  • ADU.
  • Home addition.
  • New home.
  • Commercial project.
  • Subdivision.

The project type controls the likely drawing requirements.

2. Select Your Current Stage

Tell the tool where you are in the process.

  • You have not applied yet.
  • The city asked for drawings.
  • Your permit was rejected.
  • You need revisions.
  • You need a rush plan.
  • This helps the tool recommend the right next step.

3. Enter Your City and State

Permit requirements vary by location. The tool may not connect directly to every city database, but city/state information helps the drafting team review your project more accurately after submission.

4. Select the Documents You Already Have

Choose whether you have:

  • Property address.
  • Survey.
  • Old site plan.
  • Measurements.
  • Photos.
  • Sketch.
  • City checklist.
  • Correction notice.
  • HOA requirements.

The more information you have, the better the drawing process usually goes.

5. Select What the City Asked For

If the city already requested specific items, select them.

  • Site plan.
  • Plot plan.
  • Floor plan.
  • Elevation plan.
  • Setbacks.
  • Drainage.
  • Easements.
  • Lot coverage.
  • Survey.
  • Correction revisions.

6. Review the Result

The tool should give you a recommendation, not just a form submission.

You should see:

  • Likely drawings.
  • Risk level.
  • Missing information.
  • Recommended package.

Next step.

7. Send the Details for a Custom Quote

After the checker gives the result, the next step is to send the project details to the drafting team. This helps us prepare the right package instead of guessing.

Site Plan vs Floor Plan vs Elevation Plan

Many users confuse these three drawings, so I explain them clearly.

Site Plan

A site plan shows the outside layout of the property from above. It answers:

  • Where is the structure located?
  • How far is it from property lines?
  • Where are driveways and access points?
  • What exists on the property?
  • What is proposed?

Floor Plan

A floor plan shows the inside layout of a structure. It answers:

  • Where are the rooms?
  • Where are the walls?
  • Where are doors and windows?
  • What is the room size?
  • How does the interior layout work?

Elevation Plan

An elevation plan shows the outside face of a building. It answers:

  • How tall is the structure?
  • What does the front, rear, and side look like?
  • Where are windows and doors?
  • What is the roofline?
  • What exterior materials are shown?

Manchester’s drawing guidance explains that a complete planning drawing submission may include location plans, site plans, floor plans, elevations, and sometimes contextual drawings or sections depending on the work.

This is why the checker should not only focus on site plans. It should evaluate the full drawing need.

What Size Project Can You Build Without a Permit?

This is one of the common questions people ask, but the answer depends heavily on location and project type.

Some cities allow small sheds, minor fences, or simple repairs without a permit. Other cities require permits for similar work. Some projects may be exempt from building permits but still subject to zoning, HOA, utility, floodplain, or planning rules.

That is why I do not recommend relying on general internet answers for exemption rules.

Use the checker to understand whether drawings may be needed, then confirm permit exemption rules with your local city or county office.

This is especially important for:

  • Sheds.
  • Fences.
  • Decks.
  • Pools.
  • Electrical/plumbing work.
  • ADUs.
  • Garage conversions.
  • Commercial projects.
  • Work in flood zones or historic districts.

Can I Create My Own Site Plan?

In some cases, yes. Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to create their own site plans for simple projects.

But the drawing still needs to be clear, accurate, scaled, and complete. A hand sketch may not be accepted if it lacks required information.

If you create your own site plan, I recommend checking that it includes:

  • Property boundaries.
  • Lot dimensions.
  • Existing structures.
  • Proposed work.
  • Setbacks.
  • Driveway/access.
  • Scale.
  • North arrow.
  • Project address.
  • Owner details.
  • Easements or utilities if applicable.
  • Clear labels.

If you are unsure, a professional permit-ready site plan is usually faster and safer.

Can AI Draw a Site Plan for Free?

AI can help explain what a site plan should include, but it should not be trusted as the final permit drawing unless a qualified person checks the result.

A permit drawing needs accurate property data, scale, measurements, local requirements, and clear drafting. AI may produce a nice-looking concept, but it can easily miss setbacks, easements, property boundaries, or jurisdiction-specific rules.

So I see AI as a support tool, not a replacement for permit-ready drafting.

A better approach is to use an online checker to understand what you may need, then have a professional prepare the actual drawing.

Why I Built a Free Permit Requirement Checker

  • I built this type of tool because permit confusion is one of the biggest reasons people delay their own projects.
  • Most people do not know what their city wants until the city asks for it. By that time, they may already be waiting in a review queue.
  • A checker helps earlier.
  • It gives people a simple way to understand:
  • What drawings may be needed.
  • What details may be missing.
  • What package may fit the project.
  • What risk level the project has.
  • What to do next.
  • That is better than making the user read ten different city pages and still feel unsure.

My Practical Recommendation

  • If your project changes the outside of your property, assume you may need a site plan.
  • If your project changes the inside layout, assume you may need a floor plan.
  • If your project changes the exterior appearance or building height, assume you may need elevation drawings.
  • If your project changes land boundaries, assume you may need subdivision or survey-related support.
  • If your permit was rejected, start with the correction comments.
  • And if you are not sure, use the free permit requirement checker before submitting.
  • It is easier to prepare the right drawings before review than to fix a rejected permit later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a permit requirement checker for a site plan?

A permit requirement checker for a site plan is an online tool that helps you understand what drawings and details your city may ask for before reviewing your permit application. It may recommend a site plan, floor plan, elevation drawing, survey information, or a complete permit drawing package.

Do I always need a site plan for a building permit?

Not always, but many exterior projects need one. Fences, sheds, decks, pools, additions, garages, ADUs, new homes, commercial projects, and subdivisions often require some form of site plan or plot plan. Requirements depend on your city and project type.

What information should a site plan include?

A site plan commonly includes property lines, lot dimensions, existing structures, proposed work, setbacks, scale, north arrow, driveway/access, easements, utilities, and project information. Official city guides often emphasize scale, clarity, and complete property/project details.

What is the difference between a site plan and a floor plan?

A site plan shows the property from above, including structures, boundaries, setbacks, and proposed work. A floor plan shows the inside layout of a building, including rooms, walls, doors, windows, and dimensions.

What is the difference between a site plan and an elevation plan?

A site plan shows where the structure sits on the property. An elevation plan shows what the outside of the structure looks like from the front, rear, or sides.

Can I draw my own site plan?

Some cities allow homeowners to draw their own site plans for simple projects, but the drawing must still be accurate, readable, scaled, and complete. If you are not sure about setbacks, property lines, or required details, a professional site plan is safer.

Why was my permit application delayed?

Permit delays often happen because drawings are incomplete, not to scale, missing setbacks, missing property lines, unclear about existing vs proposed work, or missing required floor/elevation drawings.

Can a permit requirement checker guarantee approval?

No. A checker can guide you, but final approval depends on your local jurisdiction, zoning rules, building code, and reviewer requirements. The tool helps you prepare better before submission.

What should I do if my permit was rejected?

Read the correction notice carefully. Then prepare revised drawings that directly respond to each reviewer comment. If the city asked for setbacks, scale, property lines, floor plans, or elevations, make sure the revised package includes them clearly.

How fast can I get a permit-ready site plan?

Permit For SitePlan focuses on fast permit-ready drawings, with common site plan packages delivered within 24 hours depending on project scope and information provided.

Final Thoughts

A permit requirement checker for site plans is not just a nice website feature. It is a practical pre-submission tool. It helps people understand what drawings they may need, what information may be missing, and how to avoid obvious permit delays.

When I look at a permit project, I want to reduce uncertainty before the city review starts. That means checking the project type, permit stage, required drawings, setbacks, property details, and correction risks.

If you want to avoid wasting time with the wrong drawing package, start with the free permit requirement checker. Then send your project details so the right permit-ready site plan, floor plan, elevation plan, or complete drawing package can be prepared before submission.