As with all other areas and questions regarding the Land Surveying and Engineering design fields the answer is…it depends.
It depends on the municipality that issues the building permit.
Some municipalities have a rigorous review process and specific design requirements for residential construction. These municipalities are usually densely populated or are experiencing population growth at rates different than in the surrounding area. Or there could be a major geographic feature like a Great Lake or connecting waters that raise specific concerns for development.
Other municipalities have a less rigorous review process and generic design requirements. These municipalities are typically rural in nature with less dense residential development conditions.
It depends on the conditions of the current site.
A site that is 10 Acres, sits in a rural community, has farm fields on both sides will have a site plan that is very different than one for a parcel in a densely populated area with 40’ of water frontage and existing large luxury homes on either side.
It depends on what is proposed to be built.
A site plan for a shed will not depict the same amount of detail and direction as would one for a 2,000 square foot house. By the same token the site plan for the house does not need as much detail as a site plan for an apartment building.
It also depends on who is asking.
The municipality requiring a site plan is concerned with making sure the zoning ordinance is being followed, that the building code is being followed, and that there will be no adverse drainage issues created by the new build.
A builder requiring a site plan is concerned with shifting responsibility (rightfully so) onto the shoulders of a Professional Surveyor or Engineer. The thought being if he follows the site plan to the letter, future litigation can be minimized.
An architect requiring a site plan is more concerned with the aesthetic placement of the improvements and making sure that the vision will comply with the mundane restrictions the site presents.
Since a Site plan can mean so many things in so many situations, they are one of the most difficult products for the estimation of fees. If you find yourself needing a Site Plan / Plot Plan, call us. We’ll ask you the questions, and discuss the particulars so that we can hone in on the right Site Plan scope, drawings with the right level of detail, all for the right price.