How to prepare a basic residential site plan

PropertyPermitGuide editorial researchReviewed Nov 2, 20265 min read

Quick takeaway: A Pennsylvania UCC building-permit exception is not the same as a local zoning approval. Verify project-specific requirements with your municipality before you start work.

What is a site plan?

A residential site plan is a drawing showing the property and the location of proposed work. It helps a reviewer evaluate placement, access, setbacks and the relationship to existing buildings. For complicated projects, an official survey or professionally prepared drawing may be needed; a hand sketch is not a substitute where a jurisdiction requires a scaled or certified plan.

Start with reliable property boundaries

Obtain the parcel information or survey you have and mark boundaries and street frontage. Do not assume a lawn edge or existing fence is the legal property line. If the location of a boundary affects compliance, consider a professional survey rather than guessing.

Show what already exists and what will change

Mark the house, garage, shed, driveway, patio and other major features. Add your new project as a separate clearly labeled shape. Include overall lot dimensions, project dimensions and distances from the project to property lines. Identify utility or drainage easements and any rights-of-way shown on your records.

Check for additional requirements

York Township states that zoning applications must show lot dimensions, abutting streets, structures, yards and setback distances. Springettsbury Township calls for a complete site plan with dimensions of current and proposed structures, property-line distances and easements. Spring Garden Township may also require a diagram of existing and proposed impervious surfaces for stormwater review.

Before submitting

Label the address, date and project type. Keep dimensions legible and show a north arrow if the local application requires one. Compare your drawing with the municipality’s current checklist before submitting. If a requirement is unclear, ask the permit office rather than submitting a guessed measurement.

Official sources

The following links point to the government sources used for this guide. Check them for revisions, permit forms and contact information.

Editorial note: This guide was checked against the linked sources on November 2, 2026. It is general information and cannot establish whether a specific project will be approved.

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