What a site plan communicates
A site plan turns a project description into measurable locations. It commonly shows the property boundary, existing buildings, proposed construction, distances to lot lines, required setbacks, streets, north direction, and drawing scale. The exact list depends on the project and jurisdiction.
When one may be requested
Building and zoning applications often request a site plan when work changes a property’s footprint or outdoor use. Examples include additions, detached garages, sheds, decks, pools, fences, driveways, and accessory dwelling units. Ask your building department before drawing because thresholds and exemptions vary.
Site plan, plot plan, and survey
Site plan and plot plan are sometimes used interchangeably, although a department may define them differently. Both generally describe improvements on a parcel.
A boundary survey is different: a licensed surveyor locates property boundaries using legal records and field evidence. A drawing based on mapped parcel data does not become a survey.
Can you draw your own?
Some jurisdictions accept owner-prepared site plans for straightforward residential projects, while others require a surveyor, architect, engineer, or other qualified preparer. Acceptance depends on local rules and the project—not on the drawing tool used.
What to verify before submitting
- The required sheet size and scale
- The source and accuracy expected for property lines
- Front, rear, and side setback requirements
- Required dimensions and existing site features
- Whether zoning, drainage, utility, or professional-stamp information is needed
- The file format and number of copies for submission
How Plotwise fits
Plotwise helps you begin from an address, edit a scaled property drawing, place existing and proposed structures, enter setbacks, add dimensions, and export a PDF sheet with a title block, north arrow, scale, and legend. You remain responsible for checking the source information and local submission requirements.