How to Get a Site Plan for Your City Permit Without Hiring a Surveyor
If you’ve been told you need a site plan for your building permit, fence, deck, shed, or remodel, your first thought might be: “Do I really need to hire a surveyor for this?”
Good news — in many cases, you don’t.
Today, it’s possible to get a professional, permit-ready site plan online — without the high costs and delays of on-site surveying.
When you need a site plan for a city permit, the process can feel confusing—especially if you’ve heard that hiring a licensed surveyor is the only way. The good news is, in many cases, you can get an accurate, city-approved site plan without the cost or wait of a traditional survey. By using existing public records, property documents, and reliable online drafting services, you can meet permit requirements quickly, affordably, and with confidence.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from what your city will accept, to how to order online, to making sure your plan passes review the first time.
Understanding What a Site Plan Is
A site plan (sometimes called a plot plan) is a scaled drawing that shows:
- The property boundaries
- Existing structures (house, garage, sheds, pools, etc.)
- Proposed additions or changes
- Driveways, walkways, and landscaping features
- Utility lines, easements, and other relevant details
We explain the differences between a site plan and a floor plan in Site Plan vs Floor Plan: A Complete Guide.
Do You Really Need a Licensed Surveyor?
Many homeowners assume only a surveyor can prepare a site plan.
While a certified boundary survey is sometimes required (e.g., for disputed property lines), many cities allow a scaled, accurate site plan prepared from existing public data.
Situations where you may not need a surveyor:
- Minor projects like decks, patios, fences, or sheds within set property lines
- Interior renovations that require a permit but no structural footprint changes
- Accessory structures like pergolas, playsets, or greenhouses
- Certain commercial permit applications where municipal GIS data is sufficient
See our guide to Most Asked Questions About Site Plans for Permits.
How Online Site Plans Work
When you order a site plan online, professionals use:
- Public property records
- GIS mapping data from your city or county
- Satellite imagery
- Your own photos, sketches, or notes for clarification
They then draft a permit-ready plan that meets your city’s formatting and scale requirements — often within 24–48 hours.
Learn about Ready-Made Site Plans for Contractors.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Site Plan Without a Surveyor
Step 1 — Check Your City’s Requirements
Visit your local building department website or call them to confirm:
- Scale requirements (e.g., 1” = 20’)
- Paper size (e.g., 11×17 or 24×36)
- Required details (e.g., setbacks, utilities, topography)
- Submission format (PDF, printed, or both)
Pro tip: Some municipalities offer downloadable property maps or tax parcel data — these can save you time.
Step 2 — Gather Your Property Details
You’ll need:
- Your property address and parcel number
- Any previous surveys or plans you may have
- Approximate dimensions of structures or additions
- Notes on your planned project
Step 3 — Order Your Site Plan Online
When you work with an online drafting service like Pro Site Plans, the process is straightforward:
- Choose your plan type (basic, detailed, subdivision, etc.)
- Upload your info — address, sketches, photos
- Review your draft and request revisions
- Submit to your city for permit review
Step 4 — Submit & Follow Up
Once you have your plan:
- Attach it to your permit application
- Keep a digital copy for your records
- Respond quickly to any city review comments
Read our Complete Guide to Site Plans for Permits.
How Much Does It Cost?
Typical costs:
- Basic online site plan: $79
- Advanced Site Plan: $99
- Professional Site Plan: $119
- Elite Site Plan: $199
- Permit-Ready Floor Plan Drafting: $79
- Elevation Plan Package: $89
- Subdivision Site Plans: $299
See our Building Permit Cost Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using outdated property data
- Missing required features (setbacks, easements, utilities)
- Submitting an unscaled plan
- Forgetting north arrow and legend
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Building Permit.
FAQs
Q: Will my city accept a site plan without a survey?
A: In many cases, yes — especially for small residential projects. Always confirm with your local building department.
Q: How accurate are online site plans?
A: Online plans use the same GIS and property record data cities often use themselves, making them accurate enough for most permit applications.
Q: Can you include my planned deck or addition?
A: Yes — just provide measurements and location, and it will be added to the plan.
Q: What if my city rejects my plan?
A: Pro Site Plans offers revisions at no extra cost until your plan meets approval requirements.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always need a surveyor to get a permit-ready site plan.
By working with an experienced online drafting team, you can save time, money, and stress — while still meeting your city’s requirements.
If you’re ready to start, get your site plan today and have it in your inbox in as little as one business day.
