QUICK REQUIREMENT CHECK
What drawings might your project need?
Select the project and permit stage for a preliminary checklist. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
Fence permit starting checklist
- Scaled site plan or plot plan
- Property lines and lot dimensions
- Proposed fence location, height and gates
- Setbacks, easements and corner-lot sight areas
Verify the list against the current checklist for the city or county reviewing the application.
When homeowners and contractors begin a permit application, the first question is usually the wrong one. Most people ask: do I need a site plan? The better question the one that actually protects your timeline and your filing fee is: what will your city need to see before it feels comfortable approving your project?
That shift in thinking changes everything about how you approach permit preparation.
A permit application is not just a form. It is a review package. Your building department wants to understand what you are building, exactly where it sits on your property, how far it is from property lines and easements, whether it affects utilities, and whether the drawing package is clear enough for a staff reviewer to evaluate without making phone calls. In many cases, that means you may need a site plan, a floor plan, an elevation drawing, setback documentation, survey data, or a complete multi-drawing permit package depending on your project type and your jurisdiction.
That is why a permit requirement checker for site plans is the most practical first step before submitting anything to a city or county building department. At Permit For Site Plan, we have processed permit-ready drawings for projects nationwide across all 50 states, and the single most common reason applications are delayed is not that the project violates code. It is that the drawing package was incomplete before submission. This guide walks you through exactly how permit requirements work, what cities check, which drawings different project types need, and how to use a free permit requirement checker to avoid correction cycles before they happen.
Why Most Homeowners Get Permit Requirements Wrong
The assumption most people bring to a permit application is that any drawing attached to the form is enough to start review. That assumption is the source of most preventable delays.
Building departments across the United States operate under specific checklists. A reviewer sitting with your application is not evaluating your project for the first time with fresh eyes and goodwill. They are running through a standardized list of required elements and marking everything that is absent. The moment one required item is missing a setback distance, a north arrow, a labeled property line the application is flagged. In many jurisdictions, it is placed on hold. In others, it is rejected outright, and the filing fee does not transfer to the resubmission.
The consequences are real and they compound quickly:
- Applications placed on hold can sit for days or weeks while you prepare a corrected drawing
- Rejected applications require a full resubmission with a second filing fee in many cities
- Correction cycles delay your project start date by weeks sometimes months in high-volume permit offices
- Contractors who are scheduled may become unavailable by the time the permit is finally issued
- Financing that is tied to permit approval milestones can be disrupted
What makes this particularly frustrating is that in most cases, the project itself was never the problem. The project was compliant. The drawing simply did not communicate that compliance clearly enough for the reviewer to confirm it. A permit requirement checker addresses this problem before it starts by helping you identify what your city needs to see before you submit anything.
What Is a Permit Requirement Checker for Site Plans?
A permit requirement checker for site plans is a structured decision tool that helps homeowners, contractors, and developers understand what drawings, details, and supporting documents their local permit office may require before reviewing a project.
It does not replace your city’s official permit office. It does not guarantee approval. What it does is give you a practical, organized starting point based on your project type, permit stage, property information, and jurisdiction so that you arrive at the building counter with the right package the first time.
A well-designed permit requirement checker asks questions that mirror the way a plan reviewer actually evaluates a project:
- What type of work are you doing fence, shed, deck, pool, ADU, home addition, new construction, commercial project, or subdivision?
- Have you already applied, or are you preparing to submit?
- Did the city ask for specific drawings, or was your permit rejected?
- Do you already have a survey, old site plan, or permit checklist from your building department?
- Do you know your setback requirements?
- Does your project require site plan only, or also floor plans, elevation drawings, or a more complete package?
Each of these questions narrows the recommendation. A fence permit in a standard residential zone has very different drawing requirements than an ADU addition, which in turn is different from a subdivision. The permit requirement checker organizes that complexity into a clear recommendation so you know what to order before you spend time or money going in the wrong direction.
Project Type Guide What Drawings Each Project Usually Requires
This is the core of permit preparation. Every project type carries a different level of drawing complexity, and understanding where your project falls is the first step toward knowing what to prepare.
Fence Permits
A fence seems like the simplest possible permit project and in many jurisdictions, it is. But cities still want to verify setbacks, confirm that the fence does not encroach on easements or neighboring property, and understand the fence’s relationship to the street and sidewalk.
Drawings typically required: Basic site plan showing property boundaries, fence location, and setback distances from property lines. In some jurisdictions, a note about fence height and material is also required on the drawing.
What to watch for: Corner lot properties often have additional setback rules for fences near intersections. Fences adjacent to easements utility, drainage, or access may require setback documentation beyond standard residential requirements. Our site plan service includes all standard fence permit elements as part of the Basic package starting at $89.
Shed Permits
Sheds trigger more scrutiny than most homeowners expect. Cities care about setbacks, foundation type, electrical connections, and in some cases, whether the shed qualifies as an accessory structure under local zoning.
Drawings typically required: Site plan showing the shed’s location, footprint dimensions, and distance from all property lines. Some jurisdictions also require a simple floor plan if the shed is large or will have electrical.
What to watch for: Many cities exempt very small sheds typically under 100 or 120 square feet from permit requirements. But that exemption varies significantly by jurisdiction. Never assume exemption without confirming with your local building department. Our FAQs page covers common shed permit scenarios across multiple states.
Deck and Patio Permits
Decks are mid-complexity permits. The drawing requirements depend on whether the deck is attached to the house, freestanding, elevated, or at grade level.
Drawings typically required: Site plan showing deck location, footprint, distance from property lines, and relationship to the house. Attached elevated decks may also require structural drawings showing framing, footings, and ledger connection details typically handled through our drafting service.
What to watch for: Decks that are elevated more than 30 inches above grade typically trigger more detailed structural review in most jurisdictions. Patio covers and pergolas attached to the house may require elevation drawings showing roofline and height above grade.
Swimming Pool Permits
Pools are among the most drawing-intensive residential permit projects. Cities review property setbacks, barrier and fencing requirements around the pool, equipment pad location, utility clearances, drainage direction, and in some cases lot coverage impact.
Drawings typically required: Advanced or Professional site plan showing pool location, setbacks, equipment pad, safety barrier, and relationship to existing structures. Drainage notes may also be required depending on the jurisdiction and lot conditions.
What to watch for: Pool decking almost always counts toward lot coverage in residential codes. If your lot is near the coverage limit, a pool addition may trigger a separate lot coverage review. For properties with septic systems, the pool’s distance from the septic field is a common point of scrutiny. Our Advanced site plan at $129 covers pool-specific elements including equipment pad, safety barrier, and utility clearances.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permits
ADUs are among the most complex residential permit types because they function as separate living units. Most jurisdictions treat ADU permits similarly to new home construction in terms of drawing requirements.
Drawings typically required: Full site plan showing ADU location, setbacks, parking, utilities, and relationship to the primary structure. Floor plan of the ADU interior showing room layout, dimensions, doors, windows, and fixtures. Elevation drawings showing all four exterior faces, building height, and roofline. Some jurisdictions also require a vicinity map.
What to watch for: ADU parking requirements vary significantly. Some cities require one additional parking space per ADU; others particularly urban areas have eliminated that requirement for ADUs within certain distances of transit. Lot coverage impact of the ADU footprint must be documented. An ADU project that arrives at the building counter with only a site plan is almost always sent back. Our team can prepare the complete package site plan,floor plan, and elevation plans as a coordinated permit package.
Home Additions and Room Expansions
Home additions require drawings that show both what exists today and what is being proposed and the reviewer must be able to distinguish between the two clearly.
Drawings typically required: Site plan showing the addition footprint, setbacks, and relationship to existing structures. Floor plan of the addition showing room layout, dimensions, and connection to the existing floor plan. Elevation drawings of the affected exterior faces showing how the addition integrates with the existing roofline and wall heights.
What to watch for: Additions that expand the building footprint toward a property line can quickly approach or exceed setback limits. Any addition that changes the exterior appearance of the structure new windows, changed roofline, new exterior wall requires elevation drawings in most jurisdictions. Our elevation plan service handles all four exterior faces formatted to your jurisdiction’s requirements.
New Home Construction
New home construction requires the most comprehensive drawing package of any residential project. It typically involves coordinated drawings across multiple disciplines site, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
Drawings typically required: Professional or Elite site plan showing the home footprint, all setbacks, driveway, utilities, easements, and lot coverage calculations. Complete floor plans for every level. Elevation drawings of all four exterior faces. Foundation plan, roof plan, and in many jurisdictions, energy compliance documentation.
What to watch for: New construction permits typically go through multiple review cycles even with a complete package. The site plan must be coordinated with the floor plans inconsistencies between the footprint shown on the site plan and the dimensions shown on the floor plan are a common rejection trigger. Our drafting service handles complex multi-sheet coordination for new construction projects.
Commercial Projects
Commercial permit drawings follow more rigorous standards than residential, and reviewer expectations are correspondingly higher. Accessibility requirements, occupancy classifications, fire separation, egress paths, and utility infrastructure are all elements that may need to be shown.
Drawings typically required: Professional or Elite site plan with parking, ingress/egress, easements, utilities, lot coverage, and landscaping. Full architectural drawings including floor plans and elevations. Depending on scope, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural drawings may also be required.
What to watch for: Commercial permits in most jurisdictions require drawings stamped by a licensed architect or engineer. Our site plan and drafting services support commercial projects up to the point of professional stamp requirements at which point we recommend engaging a licensed design professional for the final submission package.
Subdivision and Lot Split Projects
Subdivision projects involve dividing existing parcels into multiple new legal lots. The drawing requirements go well beyond a standard site plan and involve coordination with county recording offices, surveying requirements, and in many cases, public infrastructure review.
Drawings typically required: Preliminary and final plat drawings showing new lot boundaries, dimensions, areas, easements, access, utilities, and relationship to existing roads and infrastructure. Depending on the size of the subdivision, drainage studies, traffic studies, and utility plans may also be required.
What to watch for: Subdivision drawings require a licensed surveyor’s involvement for final plat recording in virtually all US jurisdictions. Our subdivision design plans service covers the drafting and layout component we work alongside your surveyor to produce the planning and presentation drawings that go through municipal review.
The Full Drawing Package Site Plan, Floor Plan, Elevation Plan, and More
Many permit applicants submit only a site plan when their project actually requires a coordinated package of multiple drawing types. Understanding what each drawing communicates helps you identify what your specific permit needs.
Site Plan
A site plan shows your property from above a bird’s eye view of the lot with all structures, proposed work, boundaries, setbacks, driveways, utilities, and site features shown to scale. It answers the fundamental question: where on the property is the work happening, and does it comply with zoning?
A complete site plan includes property lines and lot dimensions, a north arrow, existing structures, proposed structures or improvements, setback distances from all property lines, driveway and access, easements and utilities where applicable, and lot coverage calculations when required. Our permit-ready site plans are drafted from your actual parcel data, GIS records, and satellite imagery not generic templates.
Floor Plan
A floor plan shows the interior layout of a structure from above a horizontal cut through the building at roughly window height, looking down. It shows rooms, walls, doors, windows, and dimensions. It answers: what is the internal organization of the building, and how does space flow?
Floor plans are required for home additions, ADUs, garage conversions, new construction, and commercial projects in most jurisdictions. They must clearly distinguish between existing walls and proposed new walls, and they must be dimensioned accurately. Our floor plan service covers residential and light commercial projects, delivered within 24 hours.
Elevation Plan
An elevation drawing shows the exterior face of a building from the side front, rear, left, and right elevations. It shows building height, roofline, window and door placement, exterior materials, and finished grade. It answers: what does the outside of the building look like, and how does it relate to ground level?
Elevation plans are required for home additions, ADUs, new construction, and any exterior modification that changes the appearance or height of the structure. HOAs and planning boards also commonly require elevations for design review. Our elevation plan service produces all four exterior faces in a format accepted by building departments across all 50 states.
Drafting and Technical Drawings
Some projects require drawings beyond the standard site plan and architectural sheets structural drawings, foundation plans, framing details, retaining wall sections, or custom technical documentation based on your jurisdiction’s specific requirements. Our drafting service covers these more specialized needs, translating your project requirements into precise, code-oriented technical drawings.
3D Renderings
While not a permit requirement, 3D renderings are valuable for projects that need HOA approval, planning commission presentations, or investor communication before permits are filed. Our 3D rendering and design service produces photorealistic visualizations of your project before construction begins.
What Every Building Department Checks on a Permit Drawing
Regardless of jurisdiction or project type, most building department reviewers evaluate permit drawings against the same core checklist. Understanding this list is the foundation of effective permit preparation.
Property Lines and Lot Dimensions
The reviewer needs to know the legal limits of the property before evaluating anything else. Missing or approximate property boundaries are one of the most common correction triggers. Every permit drawing should show the lot boundary lines with dimensions on all sides.
Existing Structures
The site plan must show what already exists on the property not just what is being added. The house footprint, garage, shed, driveway, pool, deck, and any other structures must all be shown and labeled. The reviewer uses this to understand how the new work relates to the existing site.
Proposed Work Clearly Labeled and Separated
The reviewer must be able to distinguish immediately between what exists today and what you are proposing to add or change. Drawings that mix existing and proposed elements without clear labeling are flagged consistently. New work should be labeled “proposed” and shown differently from existing elements through different line weights, hatching, or explicit labeling.
Setback Distances
Setbacks are the required minimum distances between structures and property lines, easements, road rights-of-way, or other protected areas. Missing setback dimensions on a permit drawing is the single most common cause of correction notices. Every regulated structure on the drawing should show its setback distance from each adjacent property line.
Scale and North Arrow
A permit drawing must be to scale meaning the dimensions shown on the drawing correspond accurately to real-world measurements at a stated ratio. A north arrow must be shown to establish orientation. These two elements are explicitly required by building departments across the country and are checked before any other element in many jurisdictions.
Parcel ID, Project Address, and Owner Information
The drawing must be tied to your specific property through the parcel identification number, street address, and owner name. Generic drawings without this information are rejected immediately in most jurisdictions.
Driveways and Access
For most project types beyond simple fence permits, the drawing should show how vehicles and people access the property. Driveway location, width, and connection to the public street are reviewed for ADUs, commercial projects, new construction, and garage additions.
Easements and Utilities
Properties with utility easements, drainage easements, septic systems, or wells must show these on the site plan. Proposed structures that fall within easement areas are not approvable without variance review and a drawing that does not show the easement at all is a correction trigger even when the project does not affect it.
Lot Coverage Calculations
Many jurisdictions require the site plan to show a lot coverage calculation the percentage of the lot covered by structures and sometimes impervious surfaces. Our site plans include lot coverage calculations as a standard element, formatted to your city’s required presentation.
Project Type vs. Required Drawings: Full Reference Table
| Project Type | Site Plan | Floor Plan | Elevation Plan | Drafting / Structural | Notes |
| Fence | ✓ Basic | — | — | — | Show setbacks from property lines |
| Shed | ✓ Basic | Sometimes | — | — | Confirm size exemption with city |
| Deck (at grade) | ✓ Advanced | — | — | — | Show setback distances |
| Deck (elevated) | ✓ Advanced | — | Sometimes | ✓ Structural | Framing detail may be required |
| Swimming Pool | ✓ Advanced | — | — | — | Safety barrier, equipment pad |
| Patio / Pergola | ✓ Advanced | — | Sometimes | — | Check coverage impact |
| Garage | ✓ Advanced | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes | Driveway access required |
| ADU | ✓ Professional | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes | Parking, utilities, full package |
| Home Addition | ✓ Advanced | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes | Existing vs. proposed critical |
| New Home | ✓ Professional/Elite | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Multi-sheet coordinated package |
| Commercial | ✓ Professional/Elite | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Stamp may be required |
| Subdivision | ✓ Elite + Subdivision Plan | — | — | ✓ | Licensed surveyor required for plat |
View full package options on our plans and pricing page.
How to Use the Free Permit Requirement Checker Step by Step
The permit requirement checker works as a guided pre-submission review. Here is exactly how to use it for the most accurate result.
Step 1: Select Your Project Type
Start with what you are building or installing. The project type controls the baseline drawing requirements. Be specific “home addition” and “ADU” have different requirements even though both add space to a property. If your project involves multiple elements a pool and a detached garage, for example note both.
Step 2: Select Your Current Permit Stage
Where you are in the process changes the recommendation:
- Not yet applied: Focus is on prevention identifying the complete package before submission
- City asked for drawings: Focus is on matching the city’s specific checklist
- Permit was rejected: Focus is on the correction notice every item the reviewer flagged must be directly addressed in the revised package
- Need revisions to an existing plan: Focus is on the specific elements that need updating
- Need a plan in under 24 hours: Focus is on the fastest accurate package our Elite option delivers in under 12 hours
Step 3: Enter Your City and State
Permit requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. City and state information allows the drafting team to research your local checklist and format the drawing to match your building department’s specific requirements. We have worked in jurisdictions nationwide across all 50 states.
Step 4: Identify the Documents You Already Have
The more existing documentation you can provide, the faster and more accurate the drawing process. Indicate which of the following you have available:
- Property address (minimum required for us to begin)
- Existing survey or boundary document
- Old site plan from a previous permit
- Contractor’s sketch or rough measurements
- Photos of the property and project area
- Your city’s permit checklist
- HOA approval requirements
- Correction notice from the building department
Step 5: Review Your Checker Result
A well-designed permit requirement checker returns a practical recommendation, not just a form confirmation. Your result should include:
Recommended drawing package Basic, Advanced, Professional, or Elite site plan, with or without floor plans, elevation plans, or drafting support.
Likely drawings required A specific list of the drawing types your project will probably need based on your answers.
Permit risk score Low, medium, or high indicating how likely your project is to encounter correction issues based on complexity and available documentation.
Missing information checklist A list of specific details that may be absent from your current package and that reviewers commonly flag.
Recommended next step A clear action item: prepare a site plan, order a complete package, send a correction notice for revision support, or request a custom quote.
Step 6: Request a Custom Quote or Place Your Order
After the checker gives your result, the next step is to submit your project details so the drafting team can prepare exactly what you need. You can request a custom quote with no obligation we will confirm the right package, turnaround time, and what information we need from you to begin.
Common Permit Rejection Reasons and How to Fix Them
When a permit application is rejected or placed on hold, the building department issues a correction notice listing the specific deficiencies. Here are the most common issues we see and how each one should be addressed in the revised drawing.
Drawing Is Not to Scale
Why it happens: Homeowners submit photos, screenshots, or hand sketches without a stated scale ratio. How to fix it: Produce a properly scaled drawing with a scale bar or stated ratio (e.g., 1 inch = 20 feet). All dimensions on the drawing must be consistent with that scale.
North Arrow Is Missing
Why it happens: Overlooked as a minor detail. How to fix it: Add a north arrow showing the property’s cardinal orientation. This is a standard element on every permit-ready drawing we produce.
Property Lines Are Missing or Inaccurate
Why it happens: Homeowners draw structures without pulling actual parcel boundary data. How to fix it: Use GIS parcel data or a survey to establish accurate boundary lines. We pull this data automatically from your property address.
Setback Distances Are Not Labeled
Why it happens: The structure is shown, but the distance from the property line is not measured and labeled. How to fix it: Add dimension annotations showing the distance from each regulated structure to each adjacent property line. Every setback must be explicitly stated the reviewer will not measure from the drawing.
Existing and Proposed Work Are Mixed Together
Why it happens: The drawing shows everything that will exist after the project without distinguishing what is already there. How to fix it: Label all existing structures as “EXISTING” and all new work as “PROPOSED.” Use different line weights or hatching to make the distinction visually clear.
Floor Plans or Elevation Plans Are Missing
Why it happens: The homeowner submitted only a site plan for a project that requires a complete package. How to fix it: Add the required drawing types. For ADUs and home additions, floor plans and elevation drawings are almost always required. Our team can add these to your package quickly view all services.
The Drawing Does Not Match the Permit Application
Why it happens: The site plan shows a different structure, footprint, or location than what is described in the permit application form. How to fix it: Ensure the drawing and the application describe the same project same address, same parcel ID, same project description, same dimensions.
Correction Notice Was Not Followed
Why it happens: The revised drawing addresses some but not all reviewer comments. How to fix it: Read every line of the correction notice and confirm that the revised drawing directly responds to each item. Reviewers track correction notices against revisions missing even one item triggers another round.
What Happens When You Skip the Right Drawings
The consequences of submitting an incomplete permit package are predictable and avoidable. Here is the typical sequence when a drawing package is missing required elements.
Day 1: Application is submitted with incomplete drawings. Day 3–10: Intake review flags the missing elements. A correction notice is issued and mailed or emailed to the applicant. Day 10–20: The applicant receives the correction notice and identifies what is missing. Day 20–25: A revised drawing package is prepared and resubmitted. Day 25–35: The resubmission enters the review queue often behind the applications that were submitted correctly the first time. Day 35–50+: The revised application is reviewed. If the correction was fully addressed, the permit is approved. If anything was missed, another correction notice is issued and the cycle repeats.
A project that should have received permit approval within 2–3 weeks can easily consume 6–10 weeks when the initial package was incomplete. At Permit For SitePlan, our permit-focused drafting process reflects the fact that we research your jurisdiction’s checklist before drafting begins so the package is complete when it arrives at the counter.
Can You Draw Your Own Site Plan?
Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to prepare their own site plan drawings for simple projects such as fences and small sheds. If you choose to draw your own, the drawing must still meet the same standards as a professionally prepared plan.
Your self-prepared site plan must include:
- Accurate property boundary lines with dimensions on all sides
- All existing structures shown and labeled with accurate footprints
- The proposed project shown and clearly labeled as “proposed”
- Setback distances from all regulated structures to adjacent property lines
- A north arrow
- A scale bar or stated scale ratio
- Your property address and parcel ID
- Any required easements or utilities
What to watch for: The most common failure points in self-prepared drawings are inaccurate property dimensions (drawn from memory or rough estimates rather than parcel data), missing setback labels, and no stated scale. A drawing that looks complete to you may still be flagged if the dimensions do not match your parcel record or if the scale cannot be verified.
For most projects beyond a basic fence, the cost of a professional site plan starting at $89 is lower than the cost of a rejected application, a resubmission fee, and the weeks of delay that follow. Read what our clients say on our reviews page to understand the difference a permit-ready drawing makes.
Practical Permit Submission Checklist
Before you submit your permit application, review your drawing package against this checklist. Approach it the way a plan reviewer would looking for what is missing, not what is present.
Property and Identification:
- Project address and parcel ID are shown on the drawing
- Owner name matches the permit application form
- Drawing date is current not from a previous permit
Site Plan Elements:
- Property boundary lines are shown with dimensions on all sides
- North arrow is present
- Drawing is to scale with a stated scale ratio or scale bar
- All existing structures are shown, labeled, and dimensioned
- Proposed work is shown, labeled “PROPOSED,” and dimensioned
- Setback distances are labeled from all regulated structures to adjacent property lines
- Driveway and site access are shown
- Easements and utilities are shown where applicable
- Lot coverage calculation is included if required by your jurisdiction
Additional Drawings (if applicable):
- Floor plan included for additions, ADUs, and new construction
- Elevation drawings included for exterior modifications and height changes
- Structural drawings included for elevated decks, retaining walls, and foundations
Application Consistency:
- The project description on the form matches what is shown on the drawing
- The footprint dimensions on the site plan match the floor plan
- The file format matches what the building department requires (PDF, DWG, or other)
If Revising a Rejected Application:
- Every item on the correction notice has been directly addressed in the revised drawing
- Revised drawing is clearly labeled as a revision with a current date
Questions to Ask Before You Submit Anything
These questions will surface the issues most likely to cause a correction notice before you file.
- Does my city require a site plan for my specific project type, or does an exemption apply?
- Does my jurisdiction count only structures toward lot coverage, or also impervious surfaces like driveways and patios?
- What is the maximum lot coverage allowed on my parcel, and does my proposed project push me over the limit?
- Are there any easements on my property that restrict where I can build?
- Does my proposed project meet the setback requirements for my zoning district on all four sides?
- Is my drawing to scale with a north arrow, or is it a rough sketch?
- Have I shown both existing and proposed elements clearly labeled and separated?
- Does my project require a floor plan, elevation plan, or structural drawings in addition to the site plan?
- Does my contractor or engineer need a DWG file, or is a PDF sufficient for submission?
- If my permit was previously rejected, have I addressed every item on the correction notice not just the most obvious ones?
- Have I confirmed my city’s specific file format requirements and size limitations for digital submissions?
- If my project involves a subdivision or lot split, have I engaged a licensed surveyor for the boundary work?
How Permit For SitePlan Supports You
At Permit For SitePlan, we work with homeowners, contractors, and developers who need accurate, jurisdiction-specific drawings the first time not generic templates that create more problems than they solve. Our role is to handle everything from research to delivery so your project moves forward without unnecessary delays.
Our support includes:
- Permit requirement research: Before we begin drafting, we research your local building department’s checklist and format every element to match your jurisdiction’s requirements. Learn more about our team →
- Complete site plan packages: We produce permit-ready site plans at four levels Basic ($89), Advanced ($129), Professional ($189), and Elite ($279 with rush delivery under 12 hours) each built from your actual parcel data, GIS records, and satellite imagery.
- Full permit drawing packages: When your application requires more than a site plan, we provide coordinated floor plans, elevation plans, and technical drafting services to complete your submission package.
- Subdivision design: For projects involving land splits, lot creation, or multi-parcel development, our subdivision design plans handle the planning and municipal review drawings alongside your licensed surveyor.
- 3D visualization: For projects requiring HOA, planning commission, or investor presentations before permits are filed, our 3D rendering service produces photorealistic visualizations of your completed project.
- Revision support: If your permit is rejected after submission, send us the correction notice. We address every flagged item and turn around a revised drawing within 24 hours at no additional charge. Revision Support are included with every order.
- 24-hour standard turnaround: Most plans are delivered within 24 hours. Rush delivery under 12 hours is available with the Elite package.
- Clear Scope & Revision Support: If we cannot produce a plan that meets your building department’s requirements after revisions, you receive a full refund. No questions asked.
- Transparent pricing: Plans start at $89 with no hidden fees. View all plans and pricing →
Whether you are a first-time homeowner adding a fence or a developer managing a multi-lot subdivision, the right drawing package is the foundation of a successful permit application. Start with the free permit requirement checker, then request a custom quote and we will confirm exactly what you need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a permit requirement checker for a site plan?
A permit requirement checker for a site plan is a guided online tool that helps homeowners, contractors, and developers understand what drawings and documents their local building department may require before reviewing a permit application. Based on your project type, permit stage, and property information, the checker recommends a drawing package site plan, floor plan, elevation plan, or a complete multi-drawing submission and identifies information that may be missing before you submit.
Do I always need a site plan for a building permit?
Not always, but the vast majority of exterior residential projects require some form of site plan or plot plan. Fences, sheds, decks, pools, garages, ADUs, home additions, new homes, commercial projects, and subdivision applications almost universally require a site plan as part of the permit package. Interior projects bathroom remodels, flooring, appliance replacements typically do not. Always confirm with your local building department, as exemption thresholds vary by jurisdiction. Our FAQs page covers common scenarios by project type.
What is the difference between a site plan and a floor plan?
A site plan shows your property from above lot boundaries, structures, setbacks, driveways, and site features. It answers where on the property the work is happening. A floor plan shows the interior layout of a building rooms, walls, doors, windows, and dimensions. It answers how the interior space is organized. Many permit applications require both. Oursite plan service and floor plan service can be ordered as a coordinated package.
What is the difference between a site plan and an elevation plan?
A site plan shows the property from above. An elevation plan shows the exterior faces of a building from the side front, rear, and both sides including building height, roofline, window and door placement, and exterior materials. Elevation plans are required for projects that change the exterior appearance or height of a structure, including home additions, ADUs, and new construction.
Why was my permit application rejected?
The most common rejection reasons are: drawing not to scale, missing north arrow, property lines absent or inaccurate, setback distances not labeled, existing and proposed work not clearly separated, required floor plans or elevation drawings missing, and drawing not matching the permit application description. If your permit was rejected, send us the correction notice and we will address every flagged item in a revised drawing within 24 hours at no additional charge.
Can I draw my own site plan to save money?
Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to draw their own site plans for simple projects, but the drawing must still meet the same standards as a professionally prepared plan accurate to parcel data, drawn to scale, with a north arrow, labeled setbacks, and all required elements. The most common failure points in self-prepared drawings are inaccurate dimensions, missing setbacks, and no stated scale. For most projects, ourBasic site plan at $89 costs less than the resubmission fees and delays a rejected drawing creates.
Do I need a site plan for a fence permit?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. A fence permit site plan must show property boundary lines, the proposed fence location, and setback distances from property lines. Some cities also require fence height and material to be noted on the drawing. Corner lot properties often have additional setback requirements near intersections. Our Basic site plan at $89 covers all standard fence permit requirements.
What information do you need to begin drafting my plan?
At minimum, just your property address. We pull parcel data, GIS records, and satellite imagery from there and build your drawing from that data. Any additional information you can provide rough measurements, a contractor’s sketch, photos, your city’s permit checklist, or a previous site plan helps us produce a more accurate drawing faster. You do not need a survey to get started, though having one improves precision.
How fast can I get a permit-ready site plan? Standard site plans Basic, Advanced, and Professional packages are delivered within 24 hours. The Elite package includes rush delivery under 12 hours for time-sensitive situations. We have maintained consistent on-time delivery across tens of thousands of projects.
What if I need more than just a site plan? Many permit applications require a complete drawing package. We provide floor plans, elevation plans, technical drafting, 3D renderings, and subdivision design plans alongside our site plan service. If you are unsure what your project needs, request a custom quote and we will advise you on the complete package before you order.
Can AI draw a site plan for a permit? AI tools can help explain what a site plan should include, but they should not be trusted as the final permit-ready drawing. A permit drawing requires accurate property data pulled from parcel and GIS records, precise dimensioning, jurisdiction-specific formatting, and clear labeling of existing versus proposed elements. AI-generated drawings commonly miss setbacks, easements, scale requirements, and jurisdiction-specific checklist items. A professional drawing prepared from your actual parcel data is consistently faster and safer than attempting to correct an AI-generated plan through multiple revision cycles.
Does the permit requirement checker guarantee my permit will be approved? No and any tool that claims otherwise should not be trusted. Final permit approval depends on your local jurisdiction’s zoning code, building code, reviewer interpretation, and project-specific conditions that no online tool can fully anticipate. What the checker does is help you identify the most likely drawing requirements and information gaps before you submit which measurably reduces correction cycles. Our clients maintain a permit-focused drafting process because we research your jurisdiction’s checklist before drafting begins, not after.
