Georgia Site Plans Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing depends on your project, property records and permit requirements. Request a clear quote before drafting.

Many straightforward projects can be prepared remotely using available survey, GIS information, photos and measurements. Some projects need a survey or field verification.

No. GIS records and aerial imagery cannot replace a licensed boundary survey where your jurisdiction requires one.

We can coordinate site, architectural, structural and MEP drawings within the agreed scope. The required documents vary by project.

Where required and available, engineering review is coordinated with appropriately licensed professionals.

We can help with site, foundation, structural and MEP documentation for relevant metal building projects.

Yes. Share the plan-review comments and drawings so we can identify the revisions and provide a scoped quote.

Timelines depend on scope, the information supplied and current workload. Your quote includes an estimated delivery schedule.

Your property address, project description and any survey, sketches, photos, plans or permit comments you already have.

We prepare project drawings for customers across Georgia and identify the reviewing authority using the property address.

A boundary survey is completed by a licensed surveyor. A site plan shows existing and proposed work for a permit application.

Yes, subject to local zoning and applicable drawing requirements. We can help scope site and building plan documentation.

PDF drawings and DWG files when included in the agreed scope.

We can show relevant grading, drainage, tree and site information and coordinate separate specialist documentation where necessary.

Revision support is provided within the agreed scope; additional design or new sheets may require a separate quote.

No. We work with homeowners, contractors, builders, developers, property managers, designers, business owners, commercial tenants and other construction-industry clients.

No. Start with the property address, project type and approximate size. Then send whatever you already have, such as a survey, sketch, photographs, existing plans, manufacturer drawings, engineering or permit comments. We can review the information and help identify the likely drawing scope.

Many permit-drawing projects can begin and often be substantially completed remotely using surveys, photographs, measurements, property records, existing plans and manufacturer documents. Some scopes may still require a licensed survey, field verification, inspection, testing or other site-specific professional services.

No. A survey is generally prepared by a licensed surveyor and establishes certified property information such as legal boundaries and existing site conditions. A permit site plan uses property information to show proposed construction and its relationship to the lot. GIS, parcel records and aerial imagery may assist research and drafting, but they do not replace a licensed survey when certified boundary, topographic or elevation information is required.

Sometimes the project can begin without one. County parcel records, GIS mapping, aerial imagery, owner measurements, existing plans and prior surveys can help with preliminary research. The reviewing authority may still require a current licensed survey for final submission. Send the property address first before ordering additional documents.

Possibly. An older survey can still provide useful boundary and property information if site conditions have not materially changed. Whether it is acceptable for final permit submission depends on the project and reviewing authority. Send the existing survey before ordering another one.

Google Maps, aerial imagery and GIS are useful research tools, but they are not certified boundary surveys. They should not be represented as a licensed survey when the permit or project requires certified property information.

The exact requirements vary by jurisdiction and project, but a complete site plan may show property lines, dimensions, streets/right-of-way, existing structures, proposed work, setbacks, easements, driveways, parking, pools, accessory structures, coverage, drainage, flood information and septic/well locations.

The property address is the starting point. A parcel can be in a county but inside an incorporated city that has its own building or planning department. We research the reviewing authority as part of defining the drawing scope.

We prepare or coordinate permit drawings for pools, sheds, garages, metal buildings, decks, porches, patio covers, screen enclosures, lanais, sunrooms, fences, driveways, carports, additions, ADUs, guest houses, garage conversions, new homes and structural alterations.

No. A fence or pool may primarily need a site plan and supporting documents. A garage, addition, ADU, garage conversion or new home may require site, architectural, structural, MEP, energy and engineering documentation.

A site-plan-only service focuses on property placement and site constraints. A full permit package can add floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, energy documentation and engineering. The project type and jurisdiction determine the final scope.

Yes. A sketch can communicate the owner's intent, but dimensions, existing conditions, construction and permit requirements still need to be coordinated before final permit drawings are issued.

Yes, when applicable to the permit scope. Equipment location can matter for placement, setbacks, access, flood conditions, electrical coordination and other local requirements. If your contractor already selected the equipment location, mark it on the survey or send a sketch.

Where a pool barrier is part of the permit requirements, the site-plan package should coordinate the barrier, gates and access conditions. Exact barrier requirements depend on the project and reviewing authority.

Common issues include missing setbacks, omitted equipment location, incomplete barrier information, easement conflicts, inconsistent dimensions, missing deck information, lot-coverage calculations or flood/site data.

Yes. Send the correction notice and current plan set. If comments relate to drawings we prepared and remain within the original agreed scope, revisions can be addressed as part of the correction process.

Depending on the project, the permit package can include a site plan, floor plan, elevations, setbacks, foundation/support, anchorage, manufacturer documentation, wind information and engineering.

Yes. Existing structures may require after-the-fact or legalization drawings. The process can involve existing-condition site plans, floor plans, elevations, zoning/setback review, structural verification, manufacturer information or permit corrections.

Not always. Manufacturer documents may describe the product, while the local permit authority may still require property-specific site, setback, support/foundation, anchorage or wind information.

Not necessarily. Drawings can document the existing condition, but zoning conflicts may require relocation, modification, removal, an administrative process or other approval where available. The drawings should accurately show the condition rather than hide it.

A fence site plan may show property boundaries, the proposed fence line, height, gates, street frontage, corner-lot conditions, easements, existing structures and pool-barrier conditions where relevant.

Do not assume that. A physical fence may be offset from the legal property boundary. For setback-sensitive work, appropriate survey/property information should be used.

They can. Corner lots may involve additional street frontage, visibility, sight-distance, height or setback considerations. The exact property and reviewing jurisdiction should be checked.

Yes. We can prepare plans for new driveways, widening, parking pads, driveway extensions, aprons and curb-cut related work.

Additional concrete or pavers may increase impervious surface. Some jurisdictions review impervious percentage, drainage, front-yard coverage, driveway width and parking configuration.

Yes. Depending on the site and jurisdiction, reviewers may ask how a driveway affects runoff, swales, curb/sidewalk conditions, roadside drainage or adjacent property.

A garage may require a site plan, floor plan, elevations, foundation, wall/roof framing, headers, structural connections, electrical drawings and engineering where required.

Often, structural information is required so the reviewer can understand the foundation, framing, roof construction, large door openings, load path and anchorage. The actual scope depends on the project.

Yes, where electrical is part of the agreed scope. Electrical drawings may include lighting, receptacles, panel/circuit information, garage-door equipment and other loads.

Potentially. A garage conversion can affect egress, fire separation, floor elevation, insulation, openings, structural framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and zoning.

Possibly, but an existing slab should not automatically be assumed adequate. The project may need verification of slab thickness, reinforcement, footings, concrete strength, anchor locations, building reactions, uplift and edge distances.

Ideally provide building dimensions, column spacing, base-plate details, anchor requirements, structural reactions, wind criteria, roof/wall framing and the complete manufacturer engineering package.

It can. A roof adds gravity and wind loads and introduces posts, beams, rafters/trusses, roof-to-house connections, uplift and foundation considerations.

Yes. Depending on the project, the package can include site, architectural, structural, electrical and PE coordination.

Depending on the scope, drawings may need to show stair width, rise/run, stringers, landings, handrails, guards, post attachment and connection details.

No. A screen enclosure is generally open to outdoor air through screening. A sunroom or enclosed porch can involve windows, walls, insulation, HVAC, electrical, energy requirements and potentially conditioned space.

Yes. If a formerly open or screened area becomes conditioned or gains electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems, the permit package may expand to include additional disciplines and energy documentation.

Yes. We can prepare or coordinate site, foundation, post/beam, roof-framing, attachment, anchorage and wind-related information for attached, detached, metal and specialty carports.

Possibly, but the slab should not automatically be assumed suitable for structural posts or anchors. Existing support conditions and proposed loads may need review.

They can. Solar panels and racking add loads and connection requirements, and the supporting structure still has to address wind, foundations, posts, beams and anchorage.

A complete addition package may include existing conditions, demolition plan, proposed floor plan, roof plan, elevations, sections, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, energy documentation, site plan, lot coverage and engineering.

An addition changes the building footprint. The site plan may need to show setbacks, coverage, impervious area, easements, flood conditions, septic/well constraints and relationship to existing structures.

Yes. Structural scope can include foundation, beams, headers, floor/wall/roof framing, existing-to-new connections and calculations or PE review where required.

A site plan shows the ADU location on the property. A full permit package can additionally require architectural plans, foundation, structural framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, energy compliance, utility connections and engineering.

Potentially, depending on zoning and building requirements. The conversion may require review of habitable-space requirements, egress, fire separation, floor elevation, insulation, openings, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural changes and parking/zoning conditions.

Yes. On properties using private systems, the proposed ADU and utility connections may be constrained by the existing septic tank, drainfield, reserve area, well and applicable health-department requirements.

Architectural permit drawings describe the building layout and construction configuration. They may include floor plans, roof plans, elevations, building sections, wall sections, door/window schedules, demolition plans and construction details.

Yes. A client sketch can be used as design information, but dimensions, site conditions, construction and permit requirements must still be coordinated before final drawings are issued.

Yes. Send the complete PDF package. Existing drawings can often be used as a starting point, though some projects require updated field information, survey data, CAD reconstruction or additional verification.

DWG files can be provided where they are included in the agreed project scope. Final permit packages are typically delivered in PDF for submission.

Structural drawings explain how loads are carried through the building. Depending on the project, they may show foundations, footings, slabs, posts, columns, beams, headers, joists, wall framing, roof framing, connections, anchors and calculations.

Common situations include metal buildings, garages, decks, covered porches, carports, additions, structural wall removal, foundation work, long spans and existing structural modifications. The actual requirement depends on the project and jurisdiction.

Foundation drawings and calculations can be prepared or coordinated where they are part of the structural scope. The design may depend on building reactions, soil information, uplift, bearing, reinforcement, anchorage and other project conditions.

Yes. Structural review can involve the existing framing, beam design, posts, connections, point loads and support/foundation below. Beam sizing should not be based on opening width alone.

MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing. These systems often become part of the permit package for additions, ADUs, garage conversions, new homes, commercial build-outs and projects involving building systems.

Depending on the project, electrical drawings may show lighting, receptacles, switches, panel information, circuits, equipment connections, smoke/CO alarms and specialty loads.

Depending on the scope, plumbing drawings may include water supply, sanitary drainage, venting, fixtures, water heater, kitchens, bathrooms and riser information.

Depending on the project, HVAC drawings may show equipment, supply/return air, ductwork, ventilation, exhaust and other mechanical information.

No. MEP requirements depend on the scope. A fence or unconditioned shed is very different from an ADU, addition or conditioned garage conversion.

BFE generally refers to Base Flood Elevation. FFE means Finished Floor Elevation. Permit drawings may need to demonstrate how proposed finished floors and equipment relate to applicable flood elevations and local requirements.

A formal Elevation Certificate is typically prepared/certified by an appropriately licensed professional within their scope. We can use supplied survey/elevation data in permit drawings and coordinate the plan set around it.

A grading and drainage plan shows how water is intended to move across and away from the property or proposed improvements. It may include existing/proposed grades, drainage arrows, swales, finished-floor elevations, driveway grades and impervious/pervious areas.

No. The required level of drainage documentation depends on the project and jurisdiction. A small fence project has different needs from a new home, major addition, large driveway or commercial development.

Lot coverage is generally a measurement of how much of a property is occupied by defined structures or improvements under the applicable zoning rules. Definitions vary by jurisdiction.

Depending on local definitions, buildings, concrete driveways, pavers, patios, pool decks, walkways and other hard surfaces may be included. Do not assume every jurisdiction calculates impervious coverage identically.

Coverage can affect zoning compliance, drainage, maximum development and open-space requirements. It is commonly requested when adding pools, driveways, sheds, additions, pavers or other improvements.

A proposed structure cannot always be placed freely on property with septic systems. The site may need to account for the tank, drainfield, reserve/replacement area, well, pool, driveway and proposed construction.

If your project is on septic, send any septic permit, as-built drawing, health-department document or previous site plan you have. That information can be important before determining final building placement.

Yes. Placement can be constrained by septic components and required separation distances. Exact requirements should be verified for the property and applicable health authority.

Yes. Commercial work can include site plans, tenant improvements, warehouse/retail/office build-outs, change-of-use projects, parking/ADA layouts, architectural plans, structural plans, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and engineering coordination.

A tenant improvement modifies an existing commercial space for a tenant's use. The package may include existing plan, demolition, proposed layout, occupancy, exits, accessibility, restrooms, MEP, structural changes and life-safety information.

A change of use occurs when an existing space will be used differently from its previous approved use. It can trigger review of occupant load, egress, accessibility, restrooms, fire/life safety, parking, MEP, structure and zoning.

Many commercial projects require accessibility coordination. Depending on the scope, plans may need to address accessible parking, routes, doors, ramps, restrooms, clearances and other accessibility requirements.

Yes, where included in the agreed scope. Commercial MEP can involve electrical, plumbing, HVAC, equipment and coordination with occupancy/use and architectural plans.

Yes. Send the permit correction notice, current plan set, survey, calculations, manufacturer drawings and other supporting documents. We can identify which sheets or disciplines are affected and determine the revision scope.

Not necessarily. Many permit comments affect only specific sheets or details. The correction notice should be reviewed before assuming an entirely new drawing package is required.

Common comments involve setbacks, property information, coverage, flood data, foundation details, structural connections, wind criteria, MEP, accessibility, inconsistent dimensions, manufacturer documents and engineering signatures.

If the reviewing authority requests corrections to drawings we prepared, revisions are included within the original agreed project scope. Major redesign, added disciplines, owner-requested changes, new engineering or work outside the original scope may require a separate quote.

Potentially. Send the complete plan set and reviewer comments. We can determine whether the existing drawings are usable and whether additional drafting, engineering or coordination is required.

Yes, depending on the project. Examples can include sheds, porches, screen enclosures, garage conversions, additions and accessory structures. The package may require existing-condition site plan, floor plan, elevations, structural information, survey coordination, PE review or permit corrections.

No. Existing work may have zoning, setback, structural, flood or code issues that cannot simply be solved by producing drawings. Final approval is determined by the reviewing authority.

Available options depend on the property and jurisdiction. Possible outcomes can involve relocation, modification, removal, administrative adjustment, variance or another zoning process where available. A permit drawing should accurately document the condition.

Send the property address, current survey if available, photos, dimensions, existing drawings, manufacturer documents and any permit/code-enforcement notices.

Yes. A site plan is one drawing discipline. A complete package for an addition, garage, ADU, new home or commercial project may require architecture, structure, MEP, calculations, energy documentation and engineering.

No. Professional engineering review is not automatically included with every site-plan or drafting service. If engineering is required, the scope and fee are confirmed as part of the project.

Timeline depends on project size, complexity, available documents, number of disciplines, required calculations, engineering, client decisions and existing conditions. A project-specific schedule is confirmed after scope review.

Rush scheduling may be possible for some projects depending on workload and complexity. Send the address, scope, documents and required deadline so availability can be reviewed.

Final permit drawing packages are generally delivered in PDF. Editable DWG files can also be provided where included in the agreed project scope.

The final package is prepared for permit use based on the agreed scope. The applicant or contractor still needs to make sure the overall submission includes required application forms, owner/contractor documents, surveys, product approvals, engineering, fees and other jurisdiction-specific items.

For most projects, start with the property address, what you are building and approximate size. Then send any available survey, photos, sketch, current plans, manufacturer drawings, permit comments, flood documents or engineering.

That is okay. Start with the property address and describe what you want to build. Photographs, approximate dimensions and reference images can help us understand the project.

Send the complete set. We can review what is already available before recommending additional drafting or engineering.

Yes. Email the current plan set and reviewer comments to drafting@siteplanga.com, or use the contact/permit-correction intake process.