How Do I Draw a Site Plan?

All site plans require accurate property line locations in relation to any existing and/or proposed structures, parking, or other site features. The following steps will help you on how to draw your site plan:
Step 1: Determine property boundaries and lot dimensions before drawing a site plan.
There are four ways to do this:
Option 1 – Use Tax Assessor’s Map
Option 2 – Use Subdivision Plat Information
Option 3 – Use Building Records
Option 4 – Hire a Licensed Surveyor
Step 2: Determine the location of structures and other site features in relation to the property boundaries before you draw a site plan.
Using the property boundary location and dimension information gathered in Step 1, you must next determine the location of existing buildings, streets, driveways, trees, and other site features in relation to the property boundaries. Measure the distance from these site features to the surrounding property lines. You can do this either with a tape measure, or you can use Google Earth’s measuring tool.
Step 3: Finally draw a site plan.
Use all the information gathered in Steps 1 and 2 to prepare your site plan. You may draw your site plan by hand or use a computer graphics or drafting program. Remember the site plan must to be scale. Click here for some easy to use CAD software free trials to play with.
Step 4: Check the drawing and make copies.
Check your work for accuracy before submitting it. The size and number of copies of the site plan required depends on what type of application you are submitting. Check the appropriate application submittal checklist.
- Christian Velitchkov