# Site Plans Made Easy for Homeowners

Create a Professional Site Plan in Minutes. Never done this before? That's normal. Our easy-to-use online tool walks you through creating a permit-ready site plan yourself.

## Worried You'll Do This Wrong?

- Not sure what a site plan even is? We walk you through it
- No site visit or measuring required
- Designed specifically for city permit submittals
- Make unlimited revisions yourself anytime

## How It Works

- Enter Your Address Enter your address and project details
- Create Your Plan Use our drag-and-drop editor with aerial imagery and GIS data to create your plan
- Download Your PDF Export a clean, permit-ready PDF

## Common Projects That Need Site Plans

Most permit offices require a site plan showing your property and proposed work. Here are the projects homeowners most commonly use our tool for.

- Pools & Spas
- Sheds & Outbuildings
- Fences & Decks
- Tree Removal
- Driveways & Patios
- Retaining Walls

## Trusted by 5,500+ Homeowners Nationwide

Our site plans are used every day by homeowners applying for building permits across the U.S.

## No More Guessing About What You Can Build

Your neighbor's rules aren't your rules. Every property has its own zoning requirements. With one click, see your property's setbacks, height limits, lot coverage maximums, and permitted land uses.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do I need design or CAD experience?**

No. Our drag-and-drop editor is designed for homeowners with zero technical experience. Just enter your address and start customizing.

**How long does it take to create a site plan?**

Most users complete their site plan in 15-30 minutes. You can save your progress and come back anytime.

**Will my site plan be accepted by my permit office?**

Our site plans are used by homeowners across the U.S. for building permits. Every jurisdiction has different requirements, so we recommend checking with your local permit office if you're unsure.

**What if I need to make changes later?**

Your site plan is fully editable. Make unlimited revisions and download new PDFs anytime.

**What is a site plan?**

A site plan is a scaled drawing that shows your property boundaries, existing structures, and proposed improvements. Many permit offices require a site plan to review setbacks and project placement.

When a home improvement project requires a [building permit](https://www.siteplancreator.com/construction-permit-site-plans), your local planning or building department will almost always ask for a **site plan** — a scaled, overhead drawing of your property showing the location of existing structures and the proposed work. This applies to a surprisingly wide range of projects: fences, decks, swimming pools, sheds, room additions, driveways, and [accessory dwelling units](https://www.siteplancreator.com/adu-feasibility-software) all typically trigger this requirement. If you're unsure what a site plan needs to include, the [What Is a Site Plan?](https://www.siteplancreator.com/what-is-a-site-plan) guide covers the fundamentals in plain language. The good news is that for residential permits, you generally don't need an architect or surveyor to produce one — you just need an accurate, clearly labeled drawing that meets your jurisdiction's submission standards.

## What Permit Offices Typically Require on a Residential Site Plan

While requirements vary by municipality, most building departments follow guidelines rooted in the [International Residential Code (IRC)](https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-events/i-codes/residential-code/), which establishes baseline standards for setbacks, lot coverage, and structure placement. A compliant residential site plan usually needs to show:

- Property boundaries with accurate dimensions
- All existing structures (house footprint, garage, sheds) with distances to property lines
- The proposed project location, drawn to scale, with setback measurements clearly labeled
- Easements, rights-of-way, and utility lines if they affect the project area
- North arrow and a stated drawing scale (e.g., 1 inch = 20 feet)
- Lot address and legal description or parcel number

[Setback requirements](https://www.siteplancreator.com/setback-guide) are among the most common reasons permits get rejected. A deck addition, for example, may need to sit at least 5–10 feet from a rear property line, while a detached shed might require 3 feet of clearance on all sides. Always verify your specific setbacks with your local zoning office before drawing anything — the [HUD Office of Community Planning](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/localplanning) maintains resources on local land use regulations that can help you identify the right contacts.

## Practical Tips for Getting Your Homeowner Site Plan Approved the First Time

The most common reason residential site plan submissions are rejected is inaccurate measurements. Before you draw anything, physically measure your property and verify dimensions against your property survey or deed. If you don't have a survey, your county assessor's office often has a parcel map you can use as a starting reference — just don't treat it as a substitute for a real survey if precision is critical.

- **Don't underestimate lot coverage rules.** Many residential zones cap total impervious surface (roofs, driveways, patios) at 30–50% of the lot area. Adding a large deck or driveway expansion may push you over the limit.
- **Show what's already there.** Permit reviewers need context. A plan that only shows the proposed project without existing structures is almost always sent back.
- **Label everything.** Dimensions, setbacks, structure names, and the scale bar should all be clearly visible.
- **Check for project-specific overlays.** Pools require fencing details; driveways need curb cut information. See the [Fence & Deck Site Plans](https://www.siteplancreator.com/fence-deck-site-plans) page for what those submissions typically include.

The [ICC's code adoption tracker](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-process/) can help you determine which version of the building code your state has adopted, which affects specific dimensional requirements for your project type.