A plot plan is a simplified version of a site plan, showing property boundaries, existing structures, and the proposed building’s location on the lot.
Building departments often request one alongside a permit application for smaller projects.
What Does a Plot Plan Include?
- Property boundary lines
- Existing structures on the lot
- Proposed structure location
- Approximate setback distances
Why Is a Plot Plan Important?
Building departments use a plot plan to quickly verify setback compliance without needing full civil engineering detail. A homeowner building a shed can typically sketch a plot plan themselves for a simple permit, while larger projects usually need a surveyor-prepared version instead.
Plot Plan vs. Site Plan
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but site plans are generally more detailed, often including drainage, utilities, and engineering information that a basic plot plan skips. Which one a project needs usually depends on its size and complexity.