Permit Drawing & Site Plan FAQs
50 detailed questions covering site plans, full permit sets, engineering, residential and commercial projects, corrections, civil work, pricing, revisions and project responsibilities.

Getting Started
Start here if you are not yet sure which drawings, documents or permit services your project needs.
01What does Site Plans Online USA do?+
Site Plans Online USA prepares and coordinates permit-focused drawings for residential and commercial projects throughout the United States.
Our work may include:
- Site / plot plans
- Existing-condition plans
- Architectural floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Foundation plans
- Structural framing plans
- Structural details
- Electrical plans
- Plumbing plans
- HVAC / mechanical plans
- Grading and drainage information
- ADA and life-safety plans
- Permit-correction drawings
- As-built / after-the-fact documentation
- Professional engineering or architectural review coordination when required
Some clients need only one site plan. Others need a complete coordinated permit drawing set.
The required scope depends on the project type, property, local jurisdiction, construction method, and permit-review requirements.
The best way to begin is to send us your property address, a short description of the project, and any survey, sketches, photos, existing plans, manufacturer drawings, or permit comments you already have.
02Do you work throughout the United States?+
Yes.
Site Plans Online USA provides remote permit-drafting support for projects across all 50 U.S. states.
However, building-permit requirements are not identical nationwide.
Requirements can vary between:
- States
- Counties
- Cities
- Townships
- Villages
- Boroughs
- Special districts
- Home-rule jurisdictions
They can also vary based on:
- Zoning
- Flood zone
- Property type
- Occupancy
- Construction type
- Project size
- Structural scope
- Historic districts
- Coastal areas
- Wildfire zones
- Seismic zones
- Wind zones
- HOA requirements
- Health-department requirements
We therefore review each project according to its actual jurisdiction and scope rather than treating every permit as identical.
03What information do you need before you can quote my project?+
For many projects, we can provide an initial scope and price from a relatively small amount of information.
At minimum, send:
- Property address
- Project type
- Short description of what you want to build, change, legalize, or permit
Helpful supporting information includes:
- Property survey
- Plat
- Existing plans
- Sketches
- Photos
- Measurements
- Manufacturer drawings
- Truss package
- Engineering documents
- Permit application
- Correction notice
- Review comments
- HOA drawings
- Previous approved permit plans
- DWG/CAD files when available
For more complex work, we may ask a few project-specific questions before fixing the final scope.
We try to avoid sending clients large generic questionnaires when the information can be identified from the documents they already have.
04Do you need to visit my property?+
Most projects can be prepared remotely.
We commonly work from:
- Property surveys
- Public parcel records
- Existing drawings
- Photographs
- Client measurements
- Contractor measurements
- Manufacturer information
- Previous permit records
- Satellite/aerial information
- Topographic information when available
However, remote drafting does not replace a survey, field investigation, inspection, or professional site verification when one is specifically required.
Some projects may require:
- Licensed land survey
- Topographic survey
- Existing-condition verification
- Structural investigation
- Soil/geotechnical report
- Contractor field dimensions
- Professional inspection
If one of these is required, we will identify it rather than pretending remote information is sufficient.
05Can I start if I do not know exactly what drawings the City or County requires?+
Yes.
This is very common.
Many clients contact us after being told only:
“Submit plans.”
“Provide a site plan.”
“Provide signed and sealed drawings.”
“Correct the plans.”
“Provide architectural drawings.”
“Submit structural details.”
You do not need to understand every technical requirement before contacting us.
Send us:
- Property address
- Project description
- Any permit notice or email
- Any plans you already have
We can review the information and help identify whether your project likely requires:
- Site plan only
- Architectural drawings
- Structural drawings
- MEP drawings
- Professional review/seal
- Full coordinated permit set
The final permit requirements remain subject to the reviewing jurisdiction.
Site Plans
Understand site plans, surveys, source information and the projects commonly shown on permit site plans.
06What is a site plan?+
A site plan is a scaled, top-view drawing showing how a property and its improvements are arranged.
A permit site plan commonly shows:
- Property boundaries
- Lot dimensions
- Existing buildings
- Proposed construction
- Setbacks
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Patios
- Pools
- Decks
- Sheds
- Garages
- Accessory structures
- Easements when known
- Utilities where relevant
- Septic/well information where relevant
- North arrow
- Drawing scale
- Project information
Depending on the jurisdiction, additional information may include:
- Lot coverage
- Impervious surface
- Building coverage
- Landscaping
- Drainage
- Parking
- Fire access
- Flood-zone information
- Finished-floor elevations
A site plan is different from a floor plan because it shows the entire property rather than the interior arrangement of a building.
07Is a site plan the same thing as a survey?+
No.
A land survey is typically prepared by a licensed land surveyor and establishes or certifies property-related information according to the applicable professional standards.
A site plan is a design or permit drawing that uses property information to show existing and proposed improvements.
A site plan may be prepared using:
- Existing survey
- Plat
- Recorded property information
- GIS information
- Existing approved plans
- Client-supplied measurements
Whether a licensed survey is required depends on the jurisdiction and project.
For some straightforward permit applications, an existing survey or available parcel data may be sufficient.
Other projects require a current licensed survey.
Examples where survey involvement may be more likely include:
- Construction near property lines
- New buildings
- Encroachments
- Boundary disputes
- Flood-zone work
- Large additions
- Septic/well coordination
- Grading
- Commercial development
We never describe a drafting site plan as a legal boundary survey.
08What can you prepare a site plan for?+
We prepare site plans for many project types, including:
- Pools
- Spas
- Decks
- Porches
- Patio covers
- Pergolas
- Sheds
- Detached garages
- Carports
- Metal buildings
- ADUs
- Home additions
- New homes
- Fences
- Gates
- Driveways
- Pavers
- Walkways
- Retaining walls
- Septic systems
- Water connections
- Sewer connections
- Commercial improvements
- Parking layouts
- Tenant improvements
- Accessory structures
- Manufactured/mobile homes
- Solar-related improvements
- After-the-fact projects
The exact information shown depends on what the reviewing authority requires.
09What if I do not have a survey?+
You may still contact us.
We can review the property and tell you whether there is enough reliable information to proceed with the intended drawing scope.
Possible source information includes:
- Recorded plat
- County GIS
- Assessor records
- Previous permits
- Existing plans
- Deeds
- Subdivision documents
- Client measurements
However, these sources do not substitute for a licensed survey when one is legally or technically required.
If your City/County specifically requires a certified boundary survey, current topographic survey, or surveyor certification, we will tell you.
10Can you update an existing site plan instead of redrawing everything?+
Often, yes.
If you already have:
- Survey
- Approved site plan
- Old permit drawing
- DWG
- Architect plan
- Engineer plan
we can review whether it can be used as the base for the proposed revision.
Typical updates include:
- Adding a pool
- Adding a garage
- Adding an ADU
- Changing a driveway
- Adding a deck
- Revising setbacks
- Correcting dimensions
- Updating lot coverage
- Adding utilities
- Responding to permit comments
Sometimes a clean redraw is more efficient and clearer than editing an old plan.
We will recommend the approach that makes the most sense for the permit submission.
Full Permit Sets
Learn what can be included in coordinated architectural, structural and MEP permit drawing packages.
11What is a complete permit drawing set?+
A complete permit drawing set is a coordinated group of drawings prepared to communicate the proposed construction to the reviewing authority.
Depending on the project, it may include:
- Cover sheet
- Drawing index
- Project data
- Code information
- Site plan
- Existing floor plan
- Demolition plan
- Proposed floor plan
- Exterior elevations
- Roof plan
- Building sections
- Foundation plan
- Floor framing
- Wall framing
- Roof framing
- Structural details
- Connection details
- Electrical plan
- Plumbing plan
- HVAC plan
- Life-safety plan
- Accessibility information
- Energy information
- Schedules
- Notes
- Calculations
Not every project needs every sheet.
A deck permit and a new house permit should not have the same drawing package.
We determine the package according to the actual project and reviewing jurisdiction.
12What is the difference between a site plan and a full permit set?+
A site plan primarily explains where the project is located on the property.
A full permit set explains both:
where the project is located, and
how the project is designed and constructed.
For example, a detached garage permit may require:
Site plan:
- Property lines
- Garage location
- Setbacks
- Existing house
- Driveway
Architectural:
- Garage floor plan
- Door/window locations
- Elevations
- Roof shape
- Building height
Structural:
- Foundation
- Wall framing
- Roof framing
- Connections
- Anchoring
Electrical:
- Lights
- Receptacles
- Panel/circuit information
A client may need only a site plan for one project and a full coordinated permit set for another.
13Do you prepare architectural plans?+
Yes, for applicable project scopes.
Architectural permit drawings may include:
- Existing floor plans
- Proposed floor plans
- Demolition plans
- Exterior elevations
- Roof plans
- Building sections
- Room layouts
- Door/window locations
- Dimensions
- Ceiling information
- Finish notes
- Code information
- Occupancy information
- Life-safety information
- Accessibility coordination
Projects commonly requiring architectural drawings include:
- Home additions
- ADUs
- Garage conversions
- New homes
- Remodels
- Commercial tenant improvements
- Change of use
- Garages
- Accessory buildings
- After-the-fact work
Where the jurisdiction requires a licensed architect to take professional responsibility for the architectural documents, that requirement must be addressed accordingly.
14Do you prepare structural drawings?+
Yes.
Structural scopes may include:
- Foundation plans
- Footings
- Slabs
- Posts
- Beams
- Headers
- Joists
- Rafters
- Trusses
- Wall framing
- Roof framing
- Hold-downs
- Anchors
- Connections
- Uplift details
- Lateral-resistance details
- Structural sections
- Calculations where required
Structural drawings are commonly needed for:
- Additions
- Garages
- Metal buildings
- Decks
- Porches
- Retaining walls
- Load-bearing wall removal
- Large openings
- New homes
- Pole barns
- Carports
- Pergolas
- Foundation modifications
Professional engineering requirements depend on the project and jurisdiction.
15Do you prepare MEP drawings?+
Yes.
MEP means:
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Electrical plans may show:
- Lighting
- Switching
- Receptacles
- GFCI/AFCI requirements
- Appliances
- Panels
- Circuits
- Equipment connections
- Load information
Plumbing plans may show:
- Fixtures
- Water supply
- Waste piping
- Venting
- Water heater
- Connection information
Mechanical plans may show:
- HVAC equipment
- Supply air
- Return air
- Ductwork
- Exhaust
- Ventilation
- Equipment schedules
MEP requirements vary significantly depending on whether the project is residential, commercial, new construction, remodel, addition, or change of use.
Professional Stamps & Engineering
Professional engineering, signed/sealed documents and the roles of engineers, architects, drafters and surveyors.
16Do my permit drawings need a Professional Engineer stamp?+
Sometimes.
A PE stamp is not automatically required for every permit.
It depends on:
- State law
- Local jurisdiction
- Project type
- Structural system
- Building size
- Occupancy
- Design method
- Scope of alteration
- Whether prescriptive code provisions apply
Projects more likely to require engineering include:
- Structural alterations
- Beam replacements
- Large openings
- Retaining walls
- Metal buildings
- Special foundations
- High-wind design
- Commercial work
- Complex decks
- Non-prescriptive structures
If professional engineering is required, the licensed engineer must independently review the project and determine whether they can accept professional responsibility for the work.
17Can you provide signed and sealed drawings?+
Professional review/signature/seal can be coordinated where required and where an appropriately licensed professional accepts the scope.
The process generally involves:
- Preparing the project drawings and supporting information.
- Providing them to the appropriate licensed professional.
- Professional technical review.
- Addressing required changes.
- Final acceptance by that professional.
- Signature/seal where appropriate.
A professional seal is not simply added automatically to an unreviewed drawing.
Final signature and seal are always subject to the licensed professional's independent review, judgment, and acceptance.
18Do you have engineers in every state?+
We coordinate professional review based on the project location, discipline, and licensing requirement.
Engineering licensure is state-specific.
A professional authorized in one state is not automatically authorized to seal work in every other state.
Before representing a project as signed/sealed, the applicable professional must be properly licensed for the jurisdiction and must accept responsibility for the project.
19What is the difference between an engineer, architect, drafter, and surveyor?+
These are different professional roles.
Drafter / Designer
Prepares technical drawings and documents based on project information and applicable scope.
Architect
Typically handles architectural design and, where required by law, assumes professional responsibility for architectural documents.
Professional Engineer
Handles engineering analysis and professional responsibility for applicable engineering disciplines.
Land Surveyor
Establishes and documents boundary, topographic, and other survey information according to surveying standards.
A permit package may involve one or several of these roles.
The correct team depends on the property, project, and jurisdiction.
20Can an engineer simply stamp drawings that are already finished?+
Not automatically.
A professional engineer cannot responsibly treat their seal as an administrative approval sticker.
Before sealing documents, the engineer generally needs sufficient control, review, calculations, supporting information, and confidence in the design to accept professional responsibility.
They may request:
- Revisions
- Additional dimensions
- Material information
- Load information
- Photos
- Site data
- Calculations
- Manufacturer data
- Field verification
The professional has final authority over whether they can sign/seal the project.
Residential Projects
Residential permit drawing questions for additions, ADUs, garages, decks, porches, sheds and new homes.
21What drawings are usually needed for a home addition?+
A home addition may require:
- Site plan
- Existing floor plan
- Proposed floor plan
- Demolition plan
- Exterior elevations
- Roof plan
- Foundation plan
- Framing plans
- Building sections
- Structural connections
- Electrical plan
- Plumbing plan
- HVAC information
- Energy documentation
- Lot coverage calculations
- Professional review where required
Important design issues can include:
- Setbacks
- Existing foundation
- Roof tie-in
- Load path
- Openings into existing house
- Drainage
- Utilities
- Windows/egress
- Structural walls
The exact package depends on the addition and jurisdiction.
22What drawings are needed for an ADU?+
An Accessory Dwelling Unit can require a comprehensive permit package.
Possible drawings include:
- Site plan
- Existing property plan
- ADU floor plan
- Elevations
- Roof plan
- Foundation
- Framing
- Sections
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Energy documents
- Parking information
- Utility information
- Septic/sewer coordination
- Lot coverage
- Fire-separation information
- Address/access information
ADU rules vary significantly between states and local jurisdictions.
Detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, and existing unpermitted ADUs may all require different documentation.
23Can you prepare plans for a garage conversion?+
Yes.
Garage conversions often require more than a simple floor plan.
Potential permit issues include:
- Existing slab elevation
- Garage door infill
- Foundation
- Exterior wall construction
- Insulation
- Windows
- Emergency escape openings
- Ceiling height
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Smoke/CO alarms
- Energy requirements
- Parking replacement
- Zoning
- ADU requirements
If the work has already been completed without permits, the project may need to be handled as an after-the-fact/as-built permit.
24Can you prepare detached garage or workshop plans?+
Yes.
Typical detached garage/workshop packages may include:
- Site plan
- Floor plan
- Elevations
- Foundation plan
- Wall framing
- Roof framing
- Sections
- Garage-door details
- Lintel/header details
- Anchoring
- Wind/seismic/snow coordination
- Electrical plan
- Plumbing/HVAC where applicable
Construction type may be:
- Wood frame
- CMU/block
- Steel frame
- Prefabricated metal building
- Pole/post-frame
The design scope depends on the selected construction system.
25Do you prepare deck permit drawings?+
Yes.
Deck drawings may include:
- Site plan
- Deck plan
- Footing layout
- Post layout
- Beam layout
- Joist layout
- Ledger details
- Freestanding framing
- Stair details
- Guard/handrail details
- Connections
- Hold-downs
- Sections
- Material specifications
Important factors include:
- Deck height
- Soil/support conditions
- Existing house attachment
- Beam and joist spans
- Footing depth
- Frost depth
- Lateral connections
- Guard loads
Local requirements vary.
26Can you prepare porch, patio-cover, pergola, or carport drawings?+
Yes.
These projects commonly require:
- Site plan
- Roof plan
- Elevations
- Post/column layout
- Beam sizes
- Footings
- Connection details
- Attachment to existing house
- Roof slope
- Uplift/lateral resistance
- Drainage coordination
The permit requirements for a decorative pergola may be different from those for a roofed patio cover or enclosed porch.
We scope each project according to what is actually being built.
27Do you prepare shed and accessory-building plans?+
Yes.
We assist with:
- Storage sheds
- Workshops
- Garden structures
- Utility buildings
- Detached accessory structures
Depending on size and construction method, required drawings may include:
- Site plan
- Floor plan
- Elevations
- Foundation
- Framing
- Roof
- Anchoring
- Electrical
Some small structures may qualify for reduced permit requirements or exemptions in certain jurisdictions, but zoning/setback rules may still apply.
Clients should confirm local requirements before assuming a structure is permit-exempt.
28Can you prepare plans for prefabricated or metal buildings?+
Yes.
A common misunderstanding is that manufacturer drawings are always the complete permit package.
Manufacturer drawings may describe the building system itself, but the jurisdiction may additionally require:
- Site plan
- Site-specific foundation
- Footings
- Slab
- Anchoring
- Local wind/snow/seismic criteria
- Building elevations
- Occupancy/use
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Energy
- Professional engineering
We can coordinate the manufacturer documents with the site-specific permit package.
29Can you prepare new-home permit drawings?+
Yes.
A new residence may require one of the most comprehensive drawing packages.
Potential deliverables include:
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Roof plan
- Building sections
- Foundation
- Floor framing
- Wall framing
- Roof framing
- Structural details
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Energy documentation
- Grading/drainage
- Septic/well information
- Flood information
- Professional calculations/review where required
The scope should be established before drafting begins so that architectural, structural, and MEP components remain coordinated.
30Can you work from a hand sketch or rough concept?+
Yes.
Many projects begin with:
- Hand sketch
- Photo with dimensions
- Realtor floor plan
- Manufacturer brochure
- Contractor sketch
- Existing PDF
- Old permit drawing
We can use that information as a starting point.
However, dimensions and existing conditions must ultimately be reliable enough to support the permit drawings.
For remodels and additions, we may ask the client or contractor to verify specific dimensions before finalizing the plans.
Commercial Projects
Commercial permit drawings, tenant improvements, change of use, accessibility and life-safety coordination.
31Do you prepare commercial permit drawings?+
Yes.
Commercial work may include:
- Offices
- Retail
- Salons
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Warehouses
- Clinics
- Studios
- Tenant improvements
- Change of use
- Interior remodels
- Small commercial additions
Potential drawing requirements include:
- Existing plan
- Proposed plan
- Code analysis
- Occupancy
- Occupant load
- Egress
- Life safety
- ADA accessibility
- Restrooms
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Fire-rated construction
- Structural work
- Site/parking information
Commercial permitting often involves more disciplines than a small residential project.
32What is a commercial tenant-improvement permit set?+
A tenant-improvement or TI permit set documents changes made to an existing commercial space for a new or modified tenant use.
Typical sheets may include:
- Existing floor plan
- Demolition plan
- Proposed layout
- Occupancy/code analysis
- Life-safety plan
- ADA/accessibility
- Reflected ceiling plan
- Lighting
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Fire-rated construction
- Sections/details
- Equipment layouts
Restaurants, salons, medical offices, bars, and assembly-type uses may require additional information.
A change in occupancy/use can significantly change the code requirements.
33Can you help with a change of use or occupancy?+
Yes.
Change-of-use projects may require analysis beyond a normal interior remodel.
The reviewing authority may evaluate:
- New occupancy classification
- Occupant load
- Egress
- Exit travel
- Accessibility
- Fire separation
- Plumbing fixture count
- Ventilation
- Electrical load
- Sprinkler/fire alarm implications
- Parking
- Zoning
- Structural conditions
Because these projects can involve architecture, MEP, life safety, and licensed professional responsibility, they should be scoped carefully before work begins.
34Do you prepare ADA and life-safety plans?+
Yes, where applicable to the project.
An ADA/accessibility review may address:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible route
- Entry
- Door clearances
- Turning space
- Restrooms
- Grab bars
- Lavatories
- Counters
- Reach ranges
Life-safety drawings may address:
- Occupant load
- Exit locations
- Exit width
- Travel distance
- Emergency lighting
- Exit signs
- Fire-rated separations
- Egress path
Accessibility requirements depend on building use, scope, existing conditions, and governing standards.
Permit Corrections & After-the-fact Projects
Plan-review comments, rejected submittals, legalization work and after-the-fact permits.
35My permit plans were rejected. Can you help?+
Yes.
Send us:
- Correction notice
- Reviewer comments
- Drawings that were submitted
- Permit/application number
- Any supporting documents
We will review the comments and determine which items fall within the drawing scope.
Typical corrections include:
- Missing dimensions
- Setback issues
- Structural details
- Electrical intent
- Plumbing information
- Code references
- Life safety
- ADA
- Lot coverage
- Professional stamps
- Revision clouds
- Response letters
Additional review cycles may reveal new comments, so permit corrections should be handled as an iterative coordination process.
36What is an after-the-fact permit?+
An after-the-fact permit is generally used when construction or alterations were completed without the required permit and the jurisdiction requires the work to be documented and reviewed afterward.
Examples include:
- Garage conversions
- Room additions
- Enclosed patios
- Decks
- Sheds
- Carports
- Electrical work
- Plumbing changes
- ADUs
- Structural openings
The permit authority may require:
- As-built plans
- Existing-condition documentation
- Structural verification
- Professional engineering
- Photographs
- Inspections
- Selective demolition/opening of concealed work
- MEP information
Requirements vary significantly.
37Can you prepare as-built drawings?+
Yes.
As-built or existing-condition drawings document what currently exists.
They may include:
- Site layout
- Building footprint
- Floor plan
- Exterior elevations
- Structural conditions
- Existing MEP information
As-built drafting is based on the quality and completeness of available field information.
Where exact field verification is required, a client, contractor, surveyor, inspector, or other qualified party may need to provide measured data.
38Can you prepare a response letter to permit comments?+
Yes, when included in the project scope.
A response-to-comments letter typically:
- Lists each reviewer comment
- Identifies the action taken
- References the revised sheet/detail
- Explains any clarification
- Coordinates supporting documentation
Many jurisdictions expect revised drawings and a written response to be submitted together.
The response letter should match the actual revisions made to the drawings.
Civil, Grading & Property Conditions
Grading, drainage, flood-zone, septic, utility and retaining-wall questions tied to property conditions.
39Do you prepare grading and drainage plans?+
Yes, for applicable project scopes.
Grading/drainage plans may include:
- Existing contours
- Proposed contours
- Spot elevations
- Finished-floor elevation
- Drainage arrows
- Swales
- Driveway grading
- Retaining conditions
- Cut/fill information
- Erosion-control notes
- Stormwater information
Complex drainage projects may require:
- Topographic survey
- Civil engineering
- Hydrologic/hydraulic calculations
- Geotechnical input
The required level depends on the site and jurisdiction.
40Can you help with flood-zone projects?+
Yes.
Flood-zone projects may require coordination of:
- FEMA flood zone
- Base Flood Elevation
- Finished Floor Elevation
- Freeboard
- Flood vents
- Equipment elevation
- Enclosures below elevated buildings
- Site grading
- Elevation certificates
Floodplain requirements are highly jurisdiction-specific.
The local floodplain administrator and building department ultimately determine what documentation is required.
41Can you show septic, wells, water, and sewer on the plans?+
Yes, where the information is relevant and available.
Site plans may show:
- Septic tank
- Drainfield
- Replacement area
- Well
- Water meter
- Water-service route
- Sewer connection
- Cleanouts
- Utility easements
Health-department and utility-provider requirements may apply independently from the building department.
For new or modified septic systems, specialized septic design or health-department approval may be required.
42Do you prepare retaining-wall plans?+
Yes.
Retaining-wall permit drawings may include:
- Site location
- Wall length
- Wall height
- Sections
- Footing
- Reinforcement
- Drainage
- Backfill
- Surcharge conditions
- Guard requirements where applicable
Engineering may be required depending on:
- Wall height
- Slope
- Surcharge
- Soil
- Nearby structures
- Roadways
- Property lines
Geotechnical information may also be required for some projects.
Pricing, Timeline & Delivery
Project-specific pricing, turnaround, rush requests and final drawing-file delivery.
43How much do permit drawings cost?+
Pricing depends on scope.
A simple residential site plan is not priced the same as:
- Full home addition
- New house
- Commercial TI
- Structural engineering
- MEP package
- Metal building
- After-the-fact legalization
- Grading/drainage plan
Pricing may be influenced by:
- Project size
- Number of sheets
- Existing information
- Complexity
- Engineering
- Number of disciplines
- Permit comments
- Professional seals
- Requested turnaround
We provide a project-specific quote after reviewing the available information.
44How long does it take to prepare the drawings?+
Turnaround depends on the project.
Straightforward residential site plans may often be completed quickly when the required property/project information is available.
Larger projects such as:
- Full permit sets
- Structural projects
- MEP
- Commercial work
- New construction
- Engineered foundations
- Grading/drainage
require additional drafting, coordination, and professional review time.
We provide a specific estimated turnaround with the proposal.
Turnaround generally begins after the agreed payment and required project information have been received.
45Do you offer rush service?+
Rush service may be available depending on:
- Project size
- Current workload
- Required disciplines
- Information completeness
- Professional-review requirements
A simple site plan can often be accelerated more easily than a multi-discipline commercial or engineered permit package.
If you have a permit deadline, inspection deadline, closing date, contractor start date, or resubmittal deadline, tell us when requesting the quote.
46What file formats will I receive?+
The standard final deliverable is typically a permit-ready PDF.
Depending on the agreed scope, we may also provide:
- DWG
- CAD source file
- Other editable drawing formats
Not every project automatically includes source files.
If you require DWG or another editable format, request it before the project begins so that it can be included in the proposal.
Signed/sealed professional documents may be subject to separate format and digital-signature requirements.
Revisions, Approval & Responsibilities
Revisions, approvals, client responsibilities and the fastest way to start a project.
47Are revisions included?+
Reasonable revisions within the original agreed scope are generally supported.
Examples include:
- Correcting a dimension
- Updating a label
- Responding to an applicable plan-review comment
- Clarifying a detail
- Adjusting information supplied by the client
Items that may constitute additional scope include:
- Major redesign
- New structure
- Additional building
- Change in project type
- Significant floor-plan redesign
- New engineering discipline
- New jurisdiction requirement outside original scope
- Additional professional services
- Work based on previously undisclosed conditions
The project proposal should define what is included.
48Do you guarantee that my permit will be approved?+
No responsible design or drafting provider can guarantee a government agency's final permit decision.
Approval is controlled by the reviewing jurisdiction.
A building department may:
- Request additional information
- Interpret requirements differently
- Identify new issues
- Require another professional
- Request field verification
- Require a survey
- Require additional calculations
- Identify existing-property violations
Our goal is to prepare clear, coordinated permit documents based on the agreed scope and support reasonable corrections within that scope.
49What is the client's responsibility during the drawing process?+
Accurate client information is extremely important.
The client should provide or confirm, where applicable:
- Property address
- Ownership/project information
- Survey
- Measurements
- Existing conditions
- Photos
- Building use
- Materials
- Manufacturer data
- Contractor information
- Permit comments
- Utility information
Before final submission, the client or contractor should review the drawings for factual accuracy.
Field conditions that differ from the information provided may require revisions.
Construction should follow approved permit documents and applicable inspection requirements.
50What is the fastest way to get started with Site Plans Online USA?+
Send us:
- Property address
- What you are building, changing, or legalizing
- Any survey or existing plans
- Photos or sketch
- City/County permit comments, if any
From there, we can review the project and identify the likely drawing scope.
Depending on the project, that may be:
- Site plan only
- Architectural package
- Structural package
- MEP
- Grading/drainage
- Full permit set
- Permit corrections
- Professional review/seal coordination
You do not need to know the technical name of every drawing before contacting us.
Our role is to help organize the drawing scope around the actual project and permit-review requirements.
Site Plans Online USA
A Site Plans LLC Brand
Nationwide permit-drawing support for residential and commercial projects across all 50 U.S. states.
Phone: +1 (321) 359-3465
Email: drafting@siteplans.online
Website: SitePlans.Online
Office: 1317 Edgewater Dr #2175, Orlando, FL 32804
Go Directly to the Service You Need
If you already know the project scope, use these owner pages for more detailed permit-specific information.
Send the Property Address and What You’re Planning to Build.
You do not need to know the technical name of every drawing before contacting us. Send the project details and documents you already have so the likely permit-drawing scope can be identified.
