How to Make a Site Plan for a Building Permit

Find the checklist for your project type and address. A deck, shed, addition, pool, driveway, and accessory dwelling unit may each require different information. Note the requested scale, sheet size, zoning details, and whether a current survey is required.

Collect a recorded survey if you have one, the deed or plat, assessor records, and any prior approved plans. Address-based parcel data can provide a useful starting shape, but mapped boundaries are not a substitute for a licensed survey where legal boundary accuracy is required.

Pick a scale that fits the whole property and keeps labels readable. Residential site plans commonly use an engineering scale, but the required scale varies. Add a north arrow and label the adjoining street so reviewers can orient the drawing quickly.

Place each lot edge and label its length. Show streets, alleys, easements, and other recorded features requested by your jurisdiction. Do not guess at a disputed boundary—use a surveyor when the location matters legally.

Enter the front, rear, and side setbacks from your local zoning information, then draw the resulting buildable area. Add the existing house, garage, driveway, walks, and other features relevant to the work.

Plotwise visualizes the setback distances you provide; it does not determine local zoning rules for you.

Draw the new deck, shed, addition, driveway, or other project at its intended size and location. Distinguish proposed work from existing construction with clear labels or line styles.

Show the proposed structure’s overall size and its distances to the nearest property lines and nearby structures. Add any project-specific dimensions named on the permit checklist.

Add the project address, owner information, drawing title, scale, north arrow, legend, notes, and date as required. Check every number against its source and print or view the PDF at full size to confirm that labels remain legible.