Are site plan requirements the same everywhere?

No. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, project type, review path and site conditions, and they can change over time.

Does every site plan need grading contours?

Not always. Slope, drainage, floodplain, earth disturbance and local rules determine the needed vertical information.

Can GIS parcel lines be used?

They may support preliminary screening, but agencies or professionals may require a survey or recorded plat for reliance and submittal.

What scale should I use?

Use an accepted standard scale that keeps property geometry, improvements, dimensions and notes legible on the required sheet size.

Residential Site Plan Requirements: What to Gather and Show

Review common residential site plan requirements, source documents, dimensions, grading details, utility information, and jurisdiction questions before submittal.

Project identification and drawing control

A useful sheet identifies the property address, parcel number, owner or applicant, project description, jurisdiction, preparer, date, revision, scale, north arrow and sheet purpose. The title should say whether the drawing is preliminary, permit-oriented, survey-based, as-built or another defined status.

Property and regulatory information

Show property lines with available bearings and distances, street names, right-of-way, easements, recorded constraints, zoning designation and applicable required yards. Corner lots, flag lots, alleys, waterfronts and private streets often need additional interpretation. Cite the source and date for controlling requirements.

Existing and proposed improvements

Differentiate existing, proposed and removed buildings, pavement, walls, fences, pools, wells, septic components, utility equipment and other relevant improvements. Dimension the building footprint and its shortest relationships to controlling boundaries or setback lines. Include coverage calculations when required.