5 Best Web-Based Site Plan Software Tools in 2026

Creating a site plan for a construction or remodeling project can be a daunting task for North American homeowners, contractors, and permit runners. In my experience, nothing slows down a permit application faster than a confusing or inaccurate site plan. Building departments are known to reject hand-drawn or illegible plans, causing frustrating delays. Fortunately, 2026 offers a range of web-based site plan software tools that make it easier than ever to produce professional, permit-ready site plans.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll leverage our expertise to compare the five best browser-based site plan solutions available. We’ll discuss how each tool addresses common permitting challenges, demonstrate our experience and authority with practical insights, and provide trustworthy details like pricing and features (including an exclusive look at Site Plan Creator’s pricing tiers). Whether you’re a DIY homeowner designing a deck, a contractor handling multiple projects, or a permit runner expediting approvals, these tools can streamline your workflow and help you get permits approved faster.

Why Web-Based Site Plan Software?

Before diving into the top tools, it’s worth understanding why web-based site plan software has become the go-to choice in 2026. Traditional CAD programs can be expensive, complex, and require installation on specific hardware. In contrast, cloud-based site plan tools run in your browser with no downloads needed, so you can access them from any computer (or even a tablet) with an internet connection. This flexibility is invaluable for busy professionals and DIYers alike – imagine tweaking a plan from the field or at the permit office without lugging around a specialized workstation.

Another major advantage is real-time data integration. Some of these tools pull in GIS data, satellite imagery, and property boundaries automatically – a game changer for permit drawings. Instead of manually visiting county GIS websites or tracing paper maps, you can often input an address and get an instant base map to work from. This not only saves time but also improves accuracy (no more scaling errors or guessing distances). As we’ll see, the right software can virtually eliminate common permitting hurdles like getting the scale right or including all required details.

Finally, web-based platforms typically offer collaboration and automatic updates. Contractors can share plans with clients or team members via links, and any software improvements roll out instantly (no need to install updates). Many also offer cloud storage for your projects, so you never lose your work. Security and privacy are taken seriously by reputable providers, with encrypted connections and options for enterprise-level data control in some cases.

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore the top site plan software tools you should consider in 2026. We’ll cover each tool’s strengths, pricing, and ideal use cases, and then provide recommendations for which user types they fit best.

1. Site Plan Creator 

SitePlanCreator.com – is a browser-based CAD solution specifically designed for creating permit-ready site plans quickly. This tool stands out for its laser focus on solving permitting challenges. Site Plan Creator auto-integrates crucial site data: simply enter your property address and the software pulls in your lot’s boundaries, building footprints, and a satellite image as the background. This means you start your plan with an accurate base map without hunting down surveys or GIS maps. Users can then easily trace structures, drag-and-drop symbols (like fences, driveways, or new additions), and add text or measurements as needed. The interface is extremely user-friendly, so even homeowners with no design experience can get the hang of it in minutes.

One of Site Plan Creator’s biggest benefits is how it streamlines scale and formatting for permits. The software automatically keeps your drawing to scale and even lets you remove the aerial background and export a clean PDF at 11″×17″ (tabloid size) – a common requirement for permit submissions. By centralizing everything in one tool, Site Plan Creator eliminates tedious manual steps like resizing images or cobbling together documents from multiple sources. This not only saves time but also reduces errors, which helps your permit get approved on the first try.

Pricing: Site Plan Creator is available on a flexible pricing model. You can purchase a single site plan for $49 one-time, which is perfect for homeowners who just need one project done. For ongoing use, there are subscription tiers to accommodate different professional needs: $79/month (Basic), $149/month (Pro), and $299/month (Enterprise). All plans include the full feature set (address lookup, full CAD drawing tools, PDF export, etc.), with higher tiers suited to heavier usage or multi-team collaboration. A free trial is available so you can test the interface on your project before committing. Overall, Site Plan Creator is our top pick for users who need a fast, no-nonsense way to generate permit-ready site plans without learning complex software.

• Why we like it: Purpose-built for permit site plans. Easiest learning curve – no CAD experience required. Automatically gathers property data and sets scale, removing major sources of frustration for permit applicants. Produces professional, clean drawings that permit offices love.
  
  

• Best for: Homeowners and DIYers who need one-time site plans, contractors who want a quick way to draft plans for permits, and permit runners who handle many applications (the higher tiers are cost-effective for volume use).
  
  

• Key features: Address-based property import, drag-and-drop design interface, built-in symbol library (buildings, trees, etc.), automatic scaling and measurements, one-click PDF export (11×17 with scale and north arrow). No other tool in this list so directly addresses the permit process needs.
  
  

• Platform: Web-only (runs in Chrome, Firefox, etc.). Nothing to install – just sign up and start designing in your browser. Supports both Mac and Windows via web.
  
  

• Free trial?: Yes, a free trial is available. You can sign up and try designing a site plan to see if it meets your needs before buying.
  
  

2. SketchUp (Web)

SketchUp has long been a household name in 3D modeling, and its capabilities extend to site planning as well. In 2026, SketchUp offers a web-based version (SketchUp Free) in addition to its paid desktop application. This tool is extremely powerful for building detailed 3D models of houses, landscapes, and more, which means you can create not just a 2D site plan but a full 3D visualization of your project’s exterior if desired. For example, an architect or experienced designer can model the terrain, house, and even add textures or shadows to simulate how a new addition might look on the property. SketchUp also provides a vast 3D Warehouse of pre-made components (from trees to entire porch assemblies) that you can drop into your model.

However, SketchUp’s power comes with complexity. Users often encounter a steep learning curve, especially if they’re only familiar with simple drawing tools. While the web version is more streamlined than the desktop Pro, mastering SketchUp still requires time and patience. The software sometimes needs plugins or extensions to unlock advanced functions (for example, enhanced terrain modeling or rendering), and these may not all be available in the web edition. For creating a basic site plan, SketchUp can frankly be overkill – it doesn’t automatically import parcel data (you’d likely need to manually import a Google Earth image and scale it), and setting up a scaled 2D plan view can be tricky for novices. In short, SketchUp is extremely capable but not specialized for quick permit drawings.

On the positive side, SketchUp excels when you need visual presentations or detailed design beyond a simple site plan. Contractors or designers might use it to generate 3D renderings to impress clients or to work out complex geometry on a site (like designing a custom landscape or outdoor living space). Many professionals use SketchUp in conjunction with simpler 2D tools – for instance, use Site Plan Creator for the official permit plan but SketchUp to show clients a 3D view of the project. It’s also widely supported by an ecosystem of tutorials and community forums, so help is available if you get stuck.

Pricing: SketchUp Free (web) costs $0 and allows hobbyists to do basic modeling in a browser with an Trimble account. For more serious use, SketchUp Shop (Web) is around $119/year, which unlocks import/export features and higher complexity models. The full SketchUp Pro (Desktop + Web) is about $299/year, and Studio (with additional rendering and analysis tools) is ~$699/year. All paid plans typically include a free trial. If you’re a homeowner or builder on a budget, the free version might suffice for very simple site layouts, but note that it lacks advanced import/export and has limited storage. Paid versions also include the “Add Location” feature to import satellite imagery and terrain, which can be useful for site context (though imagery resolution may be limited).

• Why we like it: Unmatched 3D modeling capability and flexibility. If you can imagine it, you can probably model it in SketchUp – from the house to the topography to the neighbor’s fence. Great for those who want photorealistic views or to virtually “walk around” the project. The web version makes it accessible without installation, and a huge community means lots of learning resources.
  
  

• Best for: Architects and designers who need precision and advanced visualization, tech-savvy homeowners who are willing to learn 3D modeling for a more creative design experience, and professionals needing integration with other CAD workflows. Not ideal for someone who just needs a quick permit plan with minimal fuss.
  
  

• Key features: Full 3D design environment, extensive object library (3D Warehouse), 2D plan view and dimension tools (in LayOut for Pro version), add-on extensions for specific tasks, AR viewing on mobile for models. SketchUp’s strength is design creativity; it lacks permit-specific automation (no built-in code compliance or GIS data), so everything is manual.
  
  

• Platform: Web and Desktop. The free and Shop versions run in the browser. Pro is installed on Windows/Mac but includes web access too. There is also a SketchUp Viewer mobile app to share models.
  
  

• Free trial?: Yes. SketchUp Free is permanently free. The higher tiers have 30-day free trials, so you can test Pro features.
  
  

3. Cedreo

Cedreo is an all-in-one professional home design and site planning software that’s entirely cloud-based. It’s geared towards contractors, home builders, remodelers, and even real estate developers who need to create not just site plans, but also floor plans and realistic 3D renderings for client presentations. We include Cedreo here because it offers robust site plan tools alongside its other capabilities. For example, you can draw the property boundary and house footprint in 2D, then immediately switch to a 3D view to see the terrain and structures in context. Cedreo’s claim to fame is that it enables users to complete a full concept (site plan, floor plans, and 3D visuals) in a short time – they advertise creating a conceptual design in under 2 hours, which is impressive for the level of detail it can produce.

From our expert perspective, Cedreo shines for professionals who regularly produce polished plans and visuals. Its interface is user-friendly given the complexity under the hood – much easier to learn than traditional CAD like AutoCAD. Key site plan features include terrain modeling tools (you can adjust grading, show contour lines and elevation points), and a large library of outdoor symbols (trees, cars, etc.) to make the plan comprehensive. The software automatically adds essential details like scale bars, north arrows, and labels distances to property lines, which helps meet permit requirements. Another powerful aspect is integration – since Cedreo also handles interiors and landscaping, you ensure consistency across all your project documents.

However, all this capability comes at a price. Cedreo is one of the more expensive options on this list, targeting business users. If you’re a solo homeowner who just needs a simple site plan, Cedreo may be overkill (and not cost-effective). On the other hand, if you’re a contractor or designer who will use its broader design features (like impressing a client with a 3D walkthrough of their remodeled home and yard), Cedreo can pay for itself by helping you close deals faster. We also appreciate Cedreo’s professional output – you can generate high-quality PDFs of site plans, and even construction-doc level floor plans, complete with your company branding. The consistency and polish can add to your authoritativeness in clients’ eyes.

Pricing: Cedreo offers a Free plan that lets you test the waters (limited to one project and some feature caps). For full use, the Personal plan is a unique one-time purchase (~$139 per single project as of 2026) – this might appeal to a homeowner or one-off project user who wants all Cedreo features for one design. Most professionals will opt for a subscription: Professional plan at around $129 per month, and an Enterprise plan at about $159 per month per user with team collaboration features. These subscriptions allow unlimited projects and come with a monthly allotment of high-resolution 3D renderings. Cedreo is on the higher end, but consider that it can replace several tools (site planner, floor planner, and 3D renderer in one). They do provide a free trial and sometimes personalized demos.

• Why we like it: Comprehensive and efficient. Cedreo combines what would normally require 2-3 different software packages into one platform. It’s relatively easy to use for the feature set it offers, with a modern interface. Terrain modeling and automatic documentation features really set it apart for site planning needs – you can even show sloped lots and grading plans clearly. For a contractor, being able to go from site plan to entire home design and presentation in one tool is a huge productivity boost.
  
  

• Best for: Contractors, builders, and remodelers who prepare their own plans for permits and client meetings; design-build firms; also useful for landscape designers who want to include the house footprint plus landscape in designs. If you’re frequently creating site plans plus additional drawings, Cedreo is ideal. Not recommended for casual users on a tight budget or those only needing 2D plans.
  
  

• Key features: Full 2D/3D drawing capabilities (site plans, floor plans, elevations), 7000+ item library for furnishings and landscaping, one-click switching between 2D plan and 3D view, automatic labeling (room sizes, lot dimensions), terrain and topography tools, and presentation outputs (images, PDFs, even a client presentation mode). Cedreo is continuously updated with new objects and features, given it’s a cloud service.
  
  

• Platform: Cloud/Web. Runs in your browser (Chrome recommended) on Windows or Mac – no installation needed. It does require a decent internet connection and a computer with moderate specs (drawing in 3D is graphics-intensive), but any modern PC or Mac with a good connection works.
  
  

• Free trial?: Yes. You can start with a free account (no credit card required). The free tier is time-unlimited but feature-limited (1 project, limited catalog). This is great to see if the interface suits you before upgrading.
  
  

4. SmartDraw

SmartDraw takes a slightly different approach – it’s a general-purpose online diagramming software that happens to be very good for site plans and floor plans. Think of SmartDraw as the modern, cloud-based answer to tools like Visio or Lucidchart, but with a focus on ease of use and lots of templates. For site planning, SmartDraw includes many built-in templates and symbol libraries specific to architectural and landscape drawings. For example, you can start a new project by picking a “Site Plan” template which might already have a title block and scale set up, and then just drag-and-drop elements like house outlines, trees, driveways, utility lines, and more. Adjusting dimensions is straightforward – you can click on any wall or line and type in an exact length, ensuring your plan is to scale. This precision is critical for permit drawings, and SmartDraw makes it accessible to users who have zero CAD training.

One standout feature is the ability to import external content to trace or incorporate. You can drop in a satellite photo or a PDF of a survey as a layer, then draw over it in SmartDraw. This is incredibly handy if you have a parcel map or an old plan – it eliminates guesswork because you’re basically digitizing a reference. SmartDraw’s interface is entirely web-based (though they offer an offline Windows version, most use the online version for convenience). It supports collaboration via sharing links, and it can integrate with platforms like Google Drive and OneDrive for saving files. Teams can even work concurrently on diagrams.

From an expert viewpoint, SmartDraw is excellent for small businesses and homeowners who want professional-looking plans without investing much time or money. It’s not as specialized in 3D or full home design like Cedreo, but not everyone needs that. For instance, a permit runner could use SmartDraw to whip up a clean 2D site plan with all required annotations in an hour or two. The tool will not automatically fetch your property lines (you’ll still need to get measurements from somewhere), but once you input or trace them, it maintains scale nicely. We also appreciate the wide range of other uses – beyond site plans, your subscription gets you flowcharting, org charts, marketing diagrams, etc., which is a bonus if you wear many hats.

Pricing: SmartDraw is sold on a subscription basis, notably cheaper than most CAD-oriented tools. An Individual plan runs around $9.95 per month (billed annually). They often advertise an introductory rate (e.g. $7.95/month if you’re a new customer paying annually). There’s also a Team plan at roughly $6.95 per user/month (min 3 users) for organizations. That team version adds centralized admin controls and collaboration features. All plans come with the full feature set and unlimited projects. SmartDraw usually offers a short free trial (7 days) for the cloud version, and there’s a money-back guarantee period as well. Compared to others on this list, SmartDraw is one of the most affordable options, especially if you only need it for a few months during a project.

• Why we like it: Extremely user-friendly and quick to get results. You can literally start with a template and have a basic site plan drawn in minutes. No advanced training needed – if you can drag and drop shapes and use a mouse, you can use SmartDraw. It also has surprisingly robust features like the ability to import satellite photos to trace and a large library of pre-drawn symbols (buildings, landscaping, utilities) to make your plan look polished. It bridges the gap between simple DIY sketching and professional drafting.
  
  

• Best for: Homeowners who want a low-cost tool to draft their own site plan or landscape plan; small contractors or permit runners who need to create plans occasionally and prefer an easy, lower-cost solution; also businesses that might use diagramming for various needs (the multi-purpose nature makes it a good value). It’s also great for students or anyone who might need to do a one-off site layout (e.g., planning a garden or event layout) without investing in heavy software.
  
  

• Key features: Hundreds of templates and examples for site plans and floor plans, thousands of symbols (from trees to vehicles to plumbing fixtures), dimensioning tools, ability to snap to grids or set custom scales, automatic formatting aids (alignment, spacing), and one-click export to PDF or images. Collaboration features include sharing links and integration with popular cloud storage (so multiple people can access or comment on a diagram). SmartDraw even touts some AI workflow integration – e.g., using AI to generate design suggestions or themes, which is a new frontier they are exploring.
  
  

• Platform: Web (any browser), with an optional Windows downloadable version. The web version works on Mac, Windows, or even Chromebook. There’s no mobile app for drawing, but diagrams can be viewed on mobile via a shared link.
  
  

• Free trial?: Yes, typically a 7-day free trial for the full version (no credit card required). This is great if you have a very short-term need – you could technically complete a one-off project in the trial period. After that, it’s paid, but monthly plans are available if you don’t want a full year commitment.
  
  

5. RoomSketcher

RoomSketcher is a popular online home design software that offers capable site planning features – essentially letting you create both floor plans and site plans in one place. It’s particularly well-suited for homeowners, real estate professionals, and designers who want to visualize not just the building, but the entire property. With RoomSketcher, you draw in 2D using a friendly drag-and-drop interface: you can lay out buildings, draw property lines, add driveways and gardens, etc. What sets RoomSketcher apart is its smooth toggle between 2D plans and 3D visualization. At any moment, you can generate a 3D view of your site plan – for instance, to see a bird’s-eye perspective of your house with the yard, or even do a virtual “snapshot” of how the project looks from an angle. This is fantastic for catching design issues early or for presenting ideas to someone who might not understand flat plans easily.

From a permitting standpoint, RoomSketcher covers the basics well. You can ensure your site plan is to scale and add measurements and labels (Pro tier allows “print to scale” which is critical for permits). It has a library of outdoor objects and textures – want to show a new deck, some landscaping, or a pool? It’s just a couple of clicks. Need to indicate setback distances or fence lengths? You can use the ruler tool or place dimension lines. RoomSketcher even differentiates site plans vs. floor plans in its documentation, acknowledging that a site plan includes the whole property and surroundings. It also has an interesting feature: if you have an existing sketch or blueprint, you can use their “order a floor plan” service – their team will draw it for you and deliver a RoomSketcher project file. This could be useful if you’re not comfortable drawing from scratch, though it costs extra.

One of our favorite aspects (experience speaking here) is that RoomSketcher is easy for beginners yet not too limiting. Many of our clients have tried the free version to map out their ideas. It’s intuitive enough that within an hour you can have a decent site layout. If you upgrade to a paid plan, you unlock features like high-resolution exports, more furniture/items, and better 3D rendering options. The outputs – whether 2D plans or 3D snapshots – look very professional. We’ve seen homeowners use these visuals in HOA meetings or with contractors to clearly communicate their vision.

Pricing: RoomSketcher uses a freemium model. Free: You can sign up and draw basic plans with a limited library (and you pay per exported floor plan if needed). The most popular is the Pro subscription at $12/month (billed annually), which was about $120/year. This Pro plan gives one user full features: create unlimited projects, use all furniture and textures, generate 3D photos and 360° views (5 credits per month are included for these renders), and crucially, print to scale in PDFs. There’s also a Team plan ($35/month per seat annual) for 5 users which is aimed at companies. If you don’t want a subscription, RoomSketcher Personal (free) allows pay-as-you-go purchases, like $38 to have one floor plan drawn by them or credits for specific outputs. A 14-day free trial of Pro is sometimes offered. The free version is great to play with, but most will upgrade to at least Pro for a serious project because of the need for scale prints and full access.

• Why we like it: Beginner-friendly with high-quality results. RoomSketcher strikes a nice balance between ease and functionality. It’s fun to use – almost like a “Sim City” style environment – yet it produces scaled plans suitable for permits. We love that it can do beautiful 3D renderings of your site (for example, showing a new detached garage in the context of your property with trees and driveways around) at the click of a button. The interface guides you, and there’s a vast library of objects to make your plan realistic. For personal or small professional use, it covers “almost everything” you’d need.
  
  

• Best for: Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts planning home projects (like a remodel with some site changes, or landscaping designs). Also great for real estate agents or interior designers who occasionally need to draw site or floor plans to communicate ideas to clients. Contractors could use it for simpler projects or to complement architectural drawings with a 3D view. Essentially, anyone who wants an all-in-one home and site design tool without learning CAD.
  
  

• Key features: Easy 2D drawing tools (snap grids, drag walls, etc.), instant 3D visualization (with options for dollhouse view or walkthroughs), a big catalog of furniture, fixtures, and plants, the ability to input exact dimensions, and options to output 2D and 3D plans with high resolution. RoomSketcher also has mobile/tablet apps (so you can actually sketch on an iPad on-site). Another neat feature: you can switch between US imperial and metric units seamlessly, which is useful if your property survey is in feet but you prefer metric for some reason.
  
  

• Platform: Web application and app. You can use RoomSketcher via a web browser on a computer. They also offer an iPad app and a Windows app for offline use (the “RoomSketcher App”) which syncs with the cloud account. So, flexibility is there if you need to work offline or prefer a native app experience.
  
  

Free trial?: Yes. There’s a free level (no time limit) with limited features. Also, when you sign up new, you often get a free trial of Pro features for a period (e.g., 14 days) to test all the capabilities. No credit card is required to try the basic features, making it easy to see if you like it.