# Create a Site Plan for Construction Permits

Choose your project type and create a permit-ready site plan in minutes. Our online tool helps you create site plans for common residential construction permits.

## Choose your project type and create a permit-ready site plan in minutes

Our online tool helps you create site plans for common residential construction permits. No CAD experience required.

## What a Site Plan Is Used For

Permit offices require site plans to verify your project meets local codes and regulations.

- Placement Verification Show exactly where new construction will be located on your property
- Distance Requirements Demonstrate setbacks from property lines, easements, and existing structures
- Zoning Compliance Prove your project meets local zoning requirements and building codes

## Choose Your Project Type

Select the type of construction permit you're applying for.

- Fence & Deck Site Plans - Show property boundaries and setback distances for fences, decks, and pergolas
- Shed & Outbuilding Site Plans - Document placement for storage sheds, workshops, and accessory structures
- Pool & Spa Site Plans - Show pool placement, equipment locations, and required setbacks
- Retaining Wall Site Plans - Document wall placement, heights, and drainage considerations
- Tree Removal Site Plans - Map tree locations, sizes, and protected species for removal permits

## How to Create a Site Plan for Construction Permits

- Enter your address Start by entering the property address. We automatically load aerial imagery and property boundaries from county records.
- Choose your project type Select your construction project type for project-specific guidance.
- Draw your proposed construction Use our drawing tools to mark the proposed construction location on your property with accurate placement.
- Add measurements and labels Label setback distances from property lines, buildings, and other structures required by your permit office.
- Export your site plan Generate a professional PDF with title block, north arrow, and scale bar ready for permit submission.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is a site plan and why do I need one for a construction permit?**

A site plan is a scaled, bird's-eye view drawing of your property that shows existing conditions and proposed construction. It includes property boundaries, structures, setback measurements, and the location of your new project. Permit offices require site plans to verify your project meets zoning requirements.

**Can I create my own site plan for a permit?**

For many common residential projects like fences, sheds, decks, pools, and retaining walls, a homeowner-prepared site plan is acceptable. Site Plan Creator uses aerial imagery and property data to help you create professional-quality plans.

**What information must be included on a construction permit site plan?**

A complete site plan should include property boundaries with dimensions, existing structures, proposed new construction with dimensions, setback distances from all property lines, easements and right-of-ways, a north arrow, a scale indicator, and your name and address.

**How long does it take to create a site plan with Site Plan Creator?**

Most users complete their site plan in 15-45 minutes, depending on project complexity.

**How accurate does my site plan need to be for a permit?**

Site plans for construction permits should be drawn to scale and show reasonably accurate distances from property lines. For most residential projects, measurements within 1-2 feet of actual are acceptable.

**What happens if my permit application is rejected?**

The building department will provide written feedback explaining what needs to be corrected. With Site Plan Creator, you can make unlimited revisions at no additional cost.

**How much does Site Plan Creator cost?**

Site Plan Creator offers affordable pricing for creating permit-ready site plans. [View pricing details.](https://www.siteplancreator.com/pricing)

**What are the most common site plan mistakes that cause permit rejections?**

The most common mistakes include not drawing to scale, missing setback measurements, failing to show all existing structures, omitting the north arrow or scale indicator, not showing easements or utility corridors, and using unclear labels.

A **[construction permit](https://www.siteplancreator.com/construction-permit-site-plans) site plan** is one of the first documents a building department reviews when you submit a permit application. Whether you're adding a room addition, building a detached garage, or starting a ground-up residential project, the site plan gives reviewers a bird's-eye view of how your proposed work fits within the property boundaries and relates to existing structures, utilities, and easements. Without an accurate, complete site plan, your application is likely to be returned before it ever reaches a plan checker's desk. Understanding [what a site plan is and what it must contain](https://www.siteplancreator.com/what-is-a-site-plan) is the essential first step before submitting any permit package.

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

While requirements vary by jurisdiction, most building departments follow standards rooted in the [International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC)](https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-events/i-codes/), which establish baseline expectations for what construction documents must communicate. A permit-ready site plan generally needs to show:

- Property boundaries with accurate dimensions and north arrow orientation
- All existing and proposed structures, including setback distances from each property line
- Easements, rights-of-way, and utility corridors that may restrict construction
- Driveways, parking areas, and points of access to the public street
- Grading or drainage patterns, particularly if the project disturbs significant soil area
- Scale notation — most jurisdictions require plans drawn at a recognized engineering or architectural scale

Projects that disturb one acre or more of land typically also trigger [EPA stormwater permit requirements](https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities) under the NPDES Construction General Permit, which may need to be referenced or addressed within your site plan documentation. Always verify local amendments, as many municipalities layer additional requirements on top of base codes.

## Common Rejection Reasons — and How to Avoid Them

The majority of site plan rejections stem from a handful of predictable errors. Knowing them in advance can save weeks of back-and-forth with the permit office.

- **Missing or incorrect setbacks:** Confirm your zoning district's front, rear, and side [setback requirements](https://www.siteplancreator.com/setback-guide) before drawing anything. A proposed structure shown two feet inside a required five-foot setback will trigger an immediate correction notice.
- **No scale or inconsistent scale:** Freehand sketches or plans without a stated scale are almost universally rejected. Use a consistent, readable scale such as 1 inch = 20 feet.
- **Omitting easements:** Utility and drainage easements are recorded on your deed or plat — failing to show them signals to reviewers that the plan may not reflect actual site conditions.
- **Unclear north arrow or lot orientation:** Reviewers cross-reference your plan against aerial imagery and parcel maps; misalignment creates immediate doubt about accuracy.
- **Incomplete project scope:** Show all work, including demolition of existing structures, not just the new construction.

If your project involves specialized structures, reviewing the specific requirements for those elements separately is worthwhile — for example, [shed and outbuilding permits](https://www.siteplancreator.com/shed-site-plans) often have their own accessory structure rules distinct from primary dwelling permits. The [IRC Chapter 1 scope provisions](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/i-codes/irc/) are a useful reference for understanding which projects require full permit documentation versus simplified submittals.