Need Building Plans?
A measured site plan is a scaled, bird's-eye view map documenting the property boundaries and the spatial relationship between all physical features. This technical drawing establishes the precise locations of buildings, landscaping, and infrastructure relative to property lines and utility networks.
The site plan identifies the coordinates of all existing and proposed structures, including setbacks and site access points. The scaled map provides the exact dimensions of property boundaries and the placement of utilities and surrounding infrastructure. This documentation specifies the physical footprint of the project within its surroundings, outlining the precise layout of the land and all integrated site features. In a site plan:
Property Lines: Accurate, scaled boundary lines of the plot.
Property Dimensions: Lengths of all boundary lines.
Setbacks & Easements: Required building setbacks and any utility or access easements.
North Arrow & Scale Bar: Proper orientation (usually North is up) and a graphic scale (e.g., 1"=20' or 1/8" = 1'-0").
Site Area/Plot Size: Total square footage or acreage of the lot.
Legal Description: Address, parcel number (APN), and subdivision information.
Building Footprints: Exact, measured outlines of the main house, garage, and detached structures.
Detailed Structures: Porches, decks, patios, sheds, and gazebos.
Hardscape Elements: Driveways, walkways, fences, walls, and retaining walls.
Measurements (Setbacks): Exact distances from all sides of the building(s) to the property lines (front, side, and rear).
Roofline Overhangs: Dashed lines showing the extent of eaves, bay windows, and chimneys.
Significant Trees: Location of large trees, including their canopy spread and, if necessary, trunk diameter.
Landscaping: Lawns, garden beds, and shrub lines.
Site Features: Notable features like rocks, benches, or sculptures.
Underground/Aboveground Utilities: Water lines, sewer lines, septic tanks/fields, electricity, gas meters, and telephone poles.
Drainage: Catch basins, drain pipes, and flow arrows indicating surface water runoff.
Exterior Features: Hose bibs, exterior lighting, and HVAC units.
Contour Lines: Lines indicating elevation changes.
Spot Elevations: Specific elevations at corners of the building, property corners, and top/bottom of retaining walls.
Title Block: Project name, address, date, and "As-Built/Measured Site Plan" title.
Legend: Explanations of symbols, line types (e.g., existing vs. proposed), and hatching.
Key Measurements: Clearly labeled dimensions for all features.
Photographs: Photos taken on-site to provide context for the drawing.
Tips for Measured Site Plans:
Use a Surveyor: For accuracy, a professional survey is the best foundation.
Running Measurements: Measure from one fixed point (e.g., a property corner) to reduce error across long distances.
Check for Squareness: Do not assume 90-degree angles; measure diagonals to check if buildings or boundary lines are actually square.
