Do preliminary site plans need exact utility locations?

Use the best available information and label uncertainty. Final design may require records, field locating, survey and provider coordination.

Can utilities run under a driveway?

Some can with specific materials, sleeves, cover and access; others have restrictions. Coordinate with each provider and designer.

Is a sewer line at the street enough?

No. Confirm capacity, connection rights, invert elevations, route, fees and any extension or pump requirements.

How much area does septic need?

Area depends on soils, flow, system type, regulations and reserve requirements. A qualified evaluation is necessary.

How to Show Utilities on a Residential Site Plan

Coordinate water, sewer, septic, electric, gas, communications, wells, meters, and service clearances on a preliminary residential site plan.

Separate known, mapped and proposed information

Identify existing mains, service stubs, meters, poles, transformers, wells, septic components and easements with their sources. Public maps and utility-marking services have specific purposes and accuracy limits. Use distinct line styles or labels for existing, proposed and approximate features.

Coordinate gravity-dependent systems

Sanitary sewer and storm drainage need elevation relationships, slope and connection information. A connection visible in plan view may be too high, too low or blocked. Septic systems require suitable treatment and reserve areas with setbacks from buildings, wells, boundaries and other features.

Protect equipment access and clearances

Meters, transformers, tanks, cleanouts, hydrants, backflow equipment, wells and mechanical units need provider-specific working space and access. Keep them out of vehicle conflicts and grading transitions. Architecture should provide appropriate wall and room locations for the service entry.