A plot plan is a drawing required for any project you plan to undertake on your parcel of land.
It’s an essential part of legal documentation for property development.
To help you understand plot plans, we created this article to answer all your questions about their unique characteristics.
Key Takeaways
- A plot plan is a detailed map that establishes property boundaries and is used for zoning approval and construction projects, with types ranging from architectural to construction versions.
- Key components of a plot plan include features such as boundary definition, setbacks, property composition, topography, etc.
- To draft a plot plan, you can construct it yourself or hire an on-field or online professional to develop an approved version for zoning or construction purposes.
What is Plot Plan—Definition and Meaning
A plot plan is a detailed diagram of your property that illustrates the relationship between your house, any additional structures, and the surrounding land.
The blueprint’s purpose is to show key elements such as building layout clarity and positions (more on those later), providing a comprehensive overview of your parcel and proposed work.
And even though plot plans are also called site plans and people tend to use these two terms interchangeably, they have different meanings as there are some slight differences between a plot plan and a site plan.
One of the differences is the requirements and usage of the plot plan.
When You Need a Plot Plan and What It’s Used For?
You need a plot plan when you’re adding any kind of structure, attached or detached, to a piece of land or when you need to define property boundaries.
Therefore, the plot plan:
- defines property boundaries
- indicates where the structure will be installed on the property
- how it relates to the surrounding elements
Therefore, a plot plan is essential during various stages of a construction project, including both residential and commercial planning, for processes such as:
- Permitting Process: Many local governments require a plot plan as part of the building permit application to ensure it’s compliant with local zoning regulations.
- Site Preparation: Before construction begins, a plot plan helps outline where structures will be placed, ensuring proper spacing and alignment on the property within the designated zone.
- Utility Installation: Plot plans indicate the locations of existing utilities and easements, which is crucial for safe and compliant installations.
- Future Modifications: If you plan to make additional changes to your property in the future (modify), having a plot plan can provide a clear reference for any new projects.
By taking a look at various plot plan examples and drawings, you can gain a better understanding of how they assist contractors, builders, and architects in assessing property constraints and dimensions.
Now, let’s look at the different plot plans for specific uses.
Plot Plan Types (and Related Plot Plan Terms)
Plot plans can vary depending on their purpose, usage, and level of detail.
Here are the most common plot plan types:
- Residential plot plan
- Commercial plot plan
Here’s a detailed explanation of each type of plot plan and how they are used in various projects.
Residential Plot Plan
Residential plot plans are designed for homes or housing developments, showing the layout of buildings, garages, driveways, and gardens. They also indicate setbacks, helping homeowners understand building limits.
Residential plot plans are essential for permits and project planning.
Commercial Plot Plan
Commercial plot plans provide a complete layout for business properties, detailing building locations, parking areas, driveways, and loading zones. These plans also address setbacks, utility lines, and pedestrian access to comply with zoning and safety standards.
Commercial plot plans are important for setting up a well-functioning commercial site.
Related Plot Plan Terms
Architectural Plot Plan
An architectural plot plan primarily focuses on the layout and design aspects of the property. It showcases structures, landscaping, and property orientation. This plan is usually created during the early design phase to communicate the property’s aesthetic and functional layout.
Construction Plot Plan
A construction plot plan is more detailed and used as a practical guide during the construction phase. It includes specific dimensions, site elevations, grading, and utilities to help builders precisely follow zoning and building codes.
Components: What Is Included in Plot Plans?
A plot plan must include essential details to meet the requirements of government institutions that review and approve projects on your parcel of land.
To ensure your plot plan is accurate and complete, it should include the following components:
Site Address and Date
This is preliminary work, as you should first write the creation date of the plan and the address of the property it represents.
Scale
A key purpose of a plot plan is to provide an accurate depiction of the property and any proposed changes.
To achieve this, it’s crucial that all measurements are precise and drawn to scale, including a scaled layout of buildings and infrastructure.
Boundary Lines and Labels
The plans should start by delineating the property lines with clear boundary markers, then work inward to detail the location and size of all structures and features.
Each item on the plan should be clearly labeled, such as ‘house’ or ‘garage.’
Property Composition and Infrastructure
A plot plan should show property features such as houses, outbuildings, pools, decks, patios, and driveways.
Utility lines and infrastructure information should also be found on the drawing, including:
- Underground and overhead lines for electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Sewage
- Stormwater drains
- Wells
- Septic tanks
- Irrigation systems
Understanding their locations is crucial for construction planning and safety.
Setbacks
Plot plans must also include setbacks that are defined by local ordinances or HOA regulations. Setbacks dictate how far surveyed structures must be from the property line.
For example, in Phoenix’s R1-6 residential zoning district, setbacks are generally 20 feet at the front, 25 feet at the rear, and 10 and 3 feet on the sides [1].
For road frontage, these are typically 30 to 40 feet, while for other property lines, they can range from 5 to 10 feet.
Topography and Landscaping Elements
After establishing all the essential structures and noting the relative distances, it’s time to incorporate comprehensive topography and elevation details.
This aspect is crucial for builders and designers to ensure that drainage patterns remain undisturbed.
If relevant to the proposed changes, the design includes the topography details, as well as any trees, shrubs, and bushes present on the site.
Access Points and Easements
Access points, such as gates, pathways, and driveways, should be found on the plot plan to indicate how people and vehicles enter and exit the property.
Proper planning of these access points along with easements for external access is crucial for ensuring traffic flow, safety, and compliance with local regulations.
Additionally, besides easement for external access, it should also show any other easement that may be on the property (e.g., utility easement or drainage easement).
Legend
Finally, it’s essential to include instructions for interpreting your plot plan. The legend should explain the symbols used and clarify the orientation of the drawings to ensure it’s clear how to read the plot plan and prevent any confusion.
Plot Plan Examples
The easiest way to understand all the elements that are included in a plot plan drawing is by seeing them, so let’s take a look at some plot plan samples.
As you can see, all the elements of a plot plan are clearly visible on the drawing. These plot plan examples include proposed structures.
These samples show that plot plan drawings can be used for bigger projects, such as building a house, or a very small ones, like building a shed. But every drawing has the main elements of a plot plan, like the layout of the property and its features, such as slopes, pools, streets, etc.
How to Create a Plot Plan
To create a plot plan, you have to gather all the necessary information about your property and then start drawing, choosing between hiring a pro or undertaking a DIY project.
Hiring Professional
Engaging a professional designer, such as a surveyor or architect, can yield a certified plot plan with precise representations of property parcels.
However, since obtaining a certified plot plan is not a requirement in most jurisdictions, the expense of hiring a professional may be an unnecessary cost for your project.
DIY Using Software or By Hand
A more affordable option for creating a plot plan is to draw it yourself, either by hand or with software.
However, before embarking on this task, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local zoning laws and building codes and remember that a plot plan must be accurate enough to clearly represent property boundaries, existing structures, and the proposed layout of new constructions.
Each area has specific regulations concerning setbacks and land use, making compliance essential for obtaining permits and avoiding legal complications.
Nevertheless, utilizing software is a recommended DIY method, as many design software options—both free and paid / desktop or online—are available for drawing a non-certified plot plan.
Yet, be aware that you will need to invest time (and money) to learn how to use these tools effectively, which can be challenging if you need a plot plan quickly.
Redraw Service – Order Online with GetASitePlan
Redraw services provide the convenience of ordering a plot plan online, typically delivered within 24 hours.
These services are staffed by experienced professionals who make plot plans remotely, resulting in significantly lower costs compared to hiring an on-site professional.
Therefore, if your project requires zoning approval, ordering a plot plan for a permit online from GetASitePlan is likely the fastest and most cost-effective option.
What Is Plot Layout?
The plot layout, a key component of the plot plan, focuses on the design and arrangement of features within the property.
While a plot plan provides technical details and measurements for regulatory purposes, the plot layout emphasizes the overall organization and functionality of the land.
It illustrates how elements such as buildings, landscaping, driveways, and utilities are positioned in relation to each other to maximize both aesthetic appeal and practical use.
This aspect of the plot plan is especially useful during the design phase, helping designers and developers visualize how the space will be utilized and draft the plot plan to ensure it meets both functional and aesthetic goals.
How Much Does a Plot Plan Cost?
On average, a plot plan costs around $500 due to the need for a land surveyor to measure and mark the accurate land dimensions. However, for more complex surveys, the price can increase to as much as $1,200.
Alternatively, you can handle the entire process yourself, from taking measurements to drawing the plot plan. Even though free, this approach can be a time-consuming and challenging task.
Lastly, a plot plan can cost as little as $89 if you opt to pick a redraw service. A team of professionals can accurately delineate property measurements with survey precision and deliver a finalized basic plot plan within 24 hours.
Plot Plan FAQ
Does a Plot Plan Show Elevation?
Yes, a plot plan shows elevation. Contour lines represent changes in elevation, with closely spaced lines indicating steep terrain.
What if I Can’t Find a Plot Plan or ILC for My Property?
If you can’t find the ILC (improvement location certificate), the individual preparing the plan must begin from scratch by taking measurements or surveying the land. Once the plot plan is submitted to the local permit agency, a copy may be retained on file for future reference or use.
Can a Plot Plan Be Modified After Approval?
Yes, a plot plan can be modified after approval, but the process usually requires submitting a revision for review. Depending on the extent of the changes, additional approvals or permits may be needed, particularly if the modifications affect zoning compliance or building codes.
Plot Plan as a Crucial Document for Projects
Given its significance, a plot plan is essential for any project on your property. A well-prepared plan ensures that your project is properly organized and meets all necessary requirements.
Taking a careful and professional approach can save you from potential setbacks or delays during construction.
To streamline the process and avoid unnecessary complications, it’s wise to rely on experts who can quickly create a plot plan with precision and accuracy.
References:
https://phoenix.municipal.codes/ZO/613
