How to Prepare a Basic Permit Site Plan
A site plan shows how the proposed work fits on the property. Some projects can use a clear homeowner drawing, while others require a current boundary survey or a plan prepared by a licensed professional.
Planning sources reviewed . Linked planning resources were read on this date. Examples are hypothetical, and municipal procedures apply only to the named jurisdiction. This is not verification of every local rule.
Start with reliable property information
- Use a recorded plat, boundary survey, deed exhibit, or official parcel information when available
- Do not treat an existing fence, hedge, curb, or online aerial image as proof of a legal property line
- Confirm whether the office requires a survey and how recent it must be
Show the existing site
- Property lines, street names, north arrow, lot dimensions, and drawing scale
- House, garage, accessory structures, driveways, sidewalks, easements, utilities, septic components, wells, drainage features, and significant slopes
- Distances from existing structures to property lines when the checklist requests them
Show the proposed work
- Footprint, dimensions, height, roof overhangs, stairs, landings, equipment pads, fences, gates, and retaining walls
- Distances to property lines, other structures, easements, septic areas, and the public right-of-way
- Grading, drainage, tree removal, impervious area, or utility changes when relevant
Run a completeness check
- Match every project dimension to the construction drawings and application
- Label existing items to remain, items to be removed, and new work
- Ask planning staff to confirm setbacks and lot-coverage calculations before relying on the drawing for construction layout
A worked planning example
Hypothetical case: A homeowner draws a fence beside a hedge visible in an aerial image. Before relying on the sketch, they check the available survey and ask what boundary evidence the office requires. The final plan distinguishes the property line from the hedge and labels existing features separately from proposed work. If the legal boundary remains uncertain, the drawing records that unresolved issue rather than presenting a guess as a measured setback.
Turn the explanation into a decision
- Identify the source of the property boundary and ask whether a survey is required.
- Draw and label existing buildings, access, easements and relevant site constraints.
- Show proposed work and removals distinctly, with dimensions matching the construction drawings.
- Confirm which distances, area calculations and drainage information the local checklist requests.
- Resolve uncertain boundaries or missing dimensions before using the drawing to set out construction.
Official planning resources
- Portland: addition application requirements (local example)
- Davenport: parcel research and development review (local example)
Helpful next pages
Kitchen Remodel Permits for Layout, Electrical, Plumbing, and Venting
Kitchen permits become important when cabinets move, walls open, plumbing shifts, circuits are added, or ventilation and gas appliances change.
Patio Cover PermitPatio Cover and Porch Roof Permit Guide
Patio covers and porch roofs can trigger zoning, structural, wind, snow, ledger, footing, and drainage review even when the project looks simple.
Retaining Wall PermitRetaining Wall Permits, Drainage, and Engineering
Retaining wall permits are driven by height, surcharge, slope, drainage, property lines, and whether the wall supports a driveway, fence, or structure.
Search local permit guides or use the project planner before contacting the authority having jurisdiction.
This guide is general planning information. Verify current rules with the local authority that reviews your property.