01
May

The Importance of Site Plans in New Construction Projects

Remember when you were a kid, and you’d make maps and go on treasure hunts in the backyard? Well, you can relive those days by kicking off the development process with a site plan.

Hear me out. Site plans are kind of like treasure maps for adults, serving as a roadmap for you, validation for the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), and a guide for the construction team throughout the entire development process. Your architect will develop these plans during the early phases of the architectural design process. These documents hold the secrets to a given lot, from utilities and easements to existing structures and landscaping—okay, maybe this isn’t as exciting as X marking the spot where a plethora of gold coins are hidden, but it’s extremely important when developing.

At Robertson Architecture, we develop comprehensive site plans for our clients. In this article, we will discuss the significance of site plans and their role in the overall development process.

What Are Site Plans?

Site plans can be either a hand sketch or a detailed drawing laying out the relevant items you need to know about the property, including the code and While these necessities may not be as fun to daydream about, that’s precisely why you hire an architect and civil engineer: to handle all those less exciting details for you. The property map will feature the following:

Utilities – The site plans will illustrate the location of essential utilities, including electricity, water, and sewage. At this stage, a civil engineer will join your team to conduct this research.

Lot Lines – The precise location of the lot lines will be illustrated on the site plans, clearly differentiating your lot from the adjacent properties. This serves as a helpful reference that you and/or your builder can consult during construction and in the future to avoid accidentally crossing the property line.

Topography – The site plans will take into account the lot’s topography, including elevation, slopes, and so on. This is important so you avoid constructing the next Leaning Tower of Pisa on your site. The topography and subsoil conditions will dictate the type of foundation. This is why you should ask the surveyor to include the topography on your next survey.

Easements/Setbacks – The site plans will indicate any easements, such as sidewalks, public pathways, or utility lines, that are accessible to other parties and cannot be obstructed, even though you own the lot. Setbacks are also marked on the site plans, detailing how far back from the property line your development can begin.

Roads – The site plans will clearly note the streets surrounding the lot, helping them be as specific as possible.

Building Location and Existing Structures – Your site plans will show the location of your new structure and any existing buildings on the property. If you choose to remove any structures from the site, a demolition plan will be considered for AHJ approval.

Landscaping – The site plans will typically note any proposed or existing landscaping.

Why Do You Need a Site Plan?

The site plan paints a picture of the property for the buyer, architect, city, and builder. To receive the proper permits, the site plans should be submitted to the AHJ for review to determine whether they comply with local zoning and code laws.

Site plans are a tool for all parties involved in the building process to reference during construction. Your architect will create site plans for your property as part of the construction documents, which will guide the building teams regarding the location of the property’s essential features—that way, everyone is on the same page.

Having an architect on your team before site plans are needed can help ensure you find a property that supports your development program. You can convey your desires and goals for the development to your architect, and they can help you find the best lot to support those dreams during the site analysis process. Much of the information your architect will research during the site analysis phase will be reflected in detail in the site plans.

Site plans are crucial in architectural design and construction. They serve as a roadmap that outlines the lot’s potential before your architect delves into the aesthetic details of the design.

Reach Out Today to Learn About Our Site Plan Process

Being an architect involves much more than simply deciding on a new development’s style and design. The site plans focus on functionality, assessing the property’s constraints, and determining what can be constructed on the lot. Our team of experienced professionals at Robertson Architecture has developed site plans for numerous clients, and we would love to accompany you on your development journey. Call or email us today to discuss your next project!

Author:  David Robertson is an Atlanta based architect and founder of Robertson Architecture.  Robertson Architecture on the premise of helping entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals exceed their goals.

In 2018, Robertson Architecture was formed with the single focus of helping homeowners and entrepreneurs exceed their goals. The firm works with custom residential homes, townhouses, restaurants, and hotels all across the Southeast. David has a passion for helping entrepreneurs and homeowners realize their dreams.

With over 10 years of experience, David spent the beginning part of his career working on small to medium sized commercial projects across the U.S., including hospitality projects, office buildings, multi-family, and custom homes.

 

David Robertson founder of Robertson Architecture