The same base parcel can require very different information depending on what is being built. The sections below explain what the site-plan portion commonly needs to communicate for the project types customers most often submit for permit review.
ADU and Accessory Dwelling Unit Plans
An ADU project can involve more than showing a rectangle in a yard. The site-plan portion may need to identify the primary residence, proposed ADU footprint, distances to property lines, building separation, access, parking context, utilities, easements and lot-coverage information where relevant. Attached ADUs, detached ADUs, garage conversions and junior units can follow different review paths.
When architectural, structural, energy or MEP drawings are required, those disciplines should be scoped separately from the placement site plan rather than represented as one low-cost drawing.
Shed and Accessory Structure Plans
Shed permits are often sensitive to size, height, placement, setbacks, easements and whether the structure is attached or detached. A site plan can identify the house, lot boundaries, proposed shed dimensions and the clearances around it. Larger sheds or structures with foundations, utilities or occupancy-related uses may trigger additional plan requirements.
For simple projects, a clear placement drawing can remove uncertainty before submission. For more complex structures, supporting construction details may also be necessary.
Pool and Spa Site Plans
A pool site plan commonly needs to show the pool location, property lines, existing house, setbacks, equipment area, decking or hardscape context, fences or barriers, easements and nearby utilities when relevant. Some jurisdictions also review drainage, impervious surface, septic clearance or flood-related conditions.
Because pool rules can be highly local, the permit authority and project address should be checked before assuming that one generic pool-plan checklist applies everywhere.
Deck, Porch and Patio Plans
For a deck, the site plan establishes where the structure sits on the lot. Construction drawings may then show framing, joists, beams, posts, footings, stairs, guards, attachment to the building and other structural details. The required level of documentation depends on whether the deck is attached, elevated, roofed, enclosed or close to a property line.
Permit review can therefore involve both zoning placement and building-code construction information.
Garage and Carport Plans
An attached or detached garage can require site placement, setbacks, driveway access, floor plans, elevations, foundation information and structural details. A garage conversion can be different again because the existing structure is being adapted rather than newly placed on the parcel.
We separate the location drawing from the architectural or structural sheets so the deliverable reflects what the reviewer actually asks for.
Fence and Gate Plans
Fence permits can depend on fence height, location, corner visibility, front-yard rules, easements, gate placement and the relationship to public rights-of-way. A fence plan can show the proposed alignment against the property boundary and existing improvements so the reviewer can see where the work is proposed.
A permit drawing does not establish a legal property boundary. When the exact boundary must be established, a licensed surveyor may be required.
Home Addition and Sunroom Plans
Additions usually combine site and building information. The site plan establishes the expanded footprint and setbacks. The permit set may also need existing and proposed floor plans, exterior elevations, sections, roof information, foundation details and structural documentation.
This is why an addition should not be priced or described as if it were only a basic site-plan order.
Commercial Site and Permit Drawings
Commercial projects can involve building placement, parking, access, fire lanes, utilities, accessibility, tenant improvements, additions, occupancy changes or multiple reviewing departments. Some commercial work requires civil, architectural, structural or MEP professionals in addition to drafting.
We review the submitted project information first so the quote reflects the actual scope rather than promising a generic one-sheet solution.
