Permit Answer · Site Plan Drawing

What Is a Site Plan for a Building Permit?

A building-permit site plan is a scaled drawing that shows where the proposed work sits on the property. It helps the municipality review location-based items such as property lines, setbacks, lot coverage, driveways, parking and the relationship between existing and proposed buildings or structures.

Direct answer: Think of the site plan as the drawing that connects the building project to the lot. It can show property boundaries and dimensions, the existing house and accessory structures, the proposed addition, deck, garage or suite, setbacks, site statistics and other information needed for zoning or permit review. Where legal boundary information is important, a current survey may be needed as the base reference. A permit site plan is not the same as a legal survey, and it is also different from a formal municipal Site Plan Approval application used for certain larger or more complex developments.

Property and building location

Shows how the proposed work relates to the lot and existing structures.

Setbacks and dimensions

Helps demonstrate the proposed building/structure location against zoning standards.

Survey reference

Where legal boundaries matter, current survey information may be required.

Not formal Site Plan Control

A permit site plan is different from a municipal Site Plan Approval application.

Property and municipality still matter

This answer is a practical starting point, not a permit decision for every property. Zoning, existing conditions, applicable law, project size and the municipality’s current application guide can change what is required.

Related 828 Design service

Site Plan Drawings for Building Permits →

Reviewed against current municipal permit guidance: August 2026. Requirements are confirmed for the actual property and project before design/submission.

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Send the property address, what you want to build and any survey, existing drawings, photos or municipal comments you already have.