What is a site plan?
A site plan is a drawing of what is existing and what is proposed on a lot. You must verify and accurately depict all locations and dimensions of property lines, setback distances, street, rights of way, and easements.
What must a site plan show?
A site plan must include the legal description and site address; north arrow; graphic scale (1’=10’ or 20’); the name, address, and phone number of the preparer; and the following information
- Property lines with dimensions.
- Street or alleys abutting to property; identify the street name.
- Contour lines for both existing and proposed graded at 2’ intervals.
- Setbacks include front-, side- and rear- yard dimensions must be labeled. Also show any plat required building setback lines and setback lines from protected areas, if applicable.
- Easements on or adjacent to the property, including non-motorized open space, utility drainage, native growth protection, and access easements.
- Utilities: Include the location of all existing and proposed utilities below and above ground. Include street lights and fire hydrants. Show proposed water, sewer, and storm drainage systems.
- Structures: Show location, size and use. Show distances to property lines.
- Retaining walls: show top and bottom elevations at 10’ intervals or where a 2’ change in height occurs and if applicable, where it crosses the setback line.
- Critical areas such as streams, wetlands, areas of special flood hazard, steep slopes >40%, unstable soils, and primary setbacks.
- Lot coverage calculations to show the area of all structures in relation to lot area.
- Plat conditions such as building setback lines (BSBL) should not be confused with zoning setback lines and minimum floor elevations.
- Building height calculations: calculate height from elevations taken at evenly spaced intervals not to exceed 10’ around the perimeter of the structure. Show the table calculations on the site plan. On the elevations sheets, show the existing and finished grades and the height calculation to indicate compliance with the height limit.
- FEMA floodplain elevation must be shown.
- Other information: A geotechnical report may be required as a condition of plat approval, for specific site improvements or as soil conditions dictate. The city may require additional information as needed.
