Before you submit your building permit application, use this checklist to confirm your site plan includes everything your building department will review.
I’m Engineer Wasim of Site Plans Online USA. This checklist is built from real permit review requirements across hundreds of US cities and counties.
Why a Pre-Submission Checklist Matters
The most common permit delays aren’t caused by complex technical problems they’re caused by small, preventable omissions. A missing north arrow. A setback dimension that’s shown but not labeled. An existing shed that isn’t on the plan.
Each omission triggers a correction notice. Each correction notice adds days or weeks to your project timeline.
This checklist addresses every element that building departments regularly request on correction notices. Use it before every submission.
Also use our online Site Plan Requirements Checker for project-specific guidance.
Universal Checklist All Project Types
Property Identification:
Full property address on plan
Parcel ID / folio number
Legal description matches county records exactly
Adjacent street names labeled
Drawing Standards:
Plan drawn to stated scale (1″=20′ standard for residential)
Written scale noted on plan
Graphic scale bar included
North arrow clearly labeled
All lines legible when printed or viewed digitally
Title Block:
Owner name
Property address
Parcel ID
Preparer name and firm
Preparer license number (if required by jurisdiction)
Date prepared
Revision block (if resubmitting)
Existing Conditions:
All lot lines shown with dimensions
Existing house footprint with dimensions
All other existing structures — garage, shed, pool, patio, fences, driveway
All easements (drainage, utility, access) shown and labeled
Proposed Work:
Proposed project clearly labeled “PROPOSED”
Proposed structure dimensions
All setbacks from property lines labeled in feet (front, rear, both sides)
Proposed changes to driveway or impervious surface shown
Calculations:
Impervious surface calculation: lot area, existing coverage, proposed addition, total, percentage
Comparison to maximum allowed for your zoning district
Format:
Correct file format (PDF for most portals)
File size within portal limits
File named per county’s naming convention (important: Orange County FastTrack and others have strict naming rules)
Additional Checklist Pool Projects
Pool dimensions (length × width)
Pool setback from all property lines (measured from water edge)
Pool setback from house foundation
Pool deck dimensions
Equipment pad location and dimensions
Safety barrier location
Barrier height notation (minimum 48″ per most US codes; 48″ per F.S. 515.29 in Florida)
Gate locations and self-closing/self-latching note
Pool to septic tank distance (if on septic)
Pool to septic drain field distance (if on septic)
FEMA flood zone notation (if applicable)
For Florida pool permits, also:
Pool Barrier Affidavit (separate document, many FL counties require)
Health Department approval letter (if on septic)
Visit Site Plans FL for Florida-specific pool permit checklists.
Additional Checklist Commercial Projects
Building footprint with dimensions
Parking layout with space count and ADA spaces
ADA space dimensions (8 ft + 5 ft aisle minimum; 1 van-accessible per 6 ADA spaces)
Ingress and egress access points labeled
Fire lane access and turning radius
Pedestrian access route from parking to entrance
Loading zones if applicable
Drainage notes
PE stamp (required for most commercial permits) — PE Stamp services
Additional Checklist ADU Projects
ADU location and dimensions
ADU setbacks (often different from principal structure setbacks)
Parking space location and dimensions
Utility connections (water, sewer/septic, electrical)
Lot coverage calculation
Access from street to ADU
Use our ADU Feasibility Checker before ordering.
What to Do If Your Plan Was Returned
If the building department sent back a correction notice, use our Permit Rejection Analyzer to identify exactly what needs to be fixed.
Then contact us with your correction notice and we’ll prepare updated drawings — usually within 12 to 24 hours.
Use our free tools:
Ready to get a permit-ready site plan?
Get My Site Plan | View Services | See Packages
Also read:
