What is a site plan and why do you need one?

What a site plan shows

A site plan is a scaled drawing that shows the property from above, a plan view of the entire lot. It is not a drawing of the structure being built (that’s the floor plan). It’s a drawing of the lot, showing where everything sits on it.

A complete site plan for a building approval includes:

• ✓The lot boundaries with dimensions, the legal boundary lines of the property
• ✓North point and scale, so the drawing can be oriented correctly and dimensions verified
• ✓Existing structures, the house, sheds, pools, and other built elements on the lot
• ✓The proposed new structure, the carport, deck, patio, or room extension being applied for
• ✓Setback dimensions, the measured distance from the proposed structure to each boundary
• ✓Easements, any registered easements that restrict building on parts of the lot

Why certifiers require a site plan

The site plan is the primary document a certifier uses to verify setback compliance. Without a site plan, the certifier cannot confirm that the proposed structure meets the required setback distances under the Queensland Development Code, so they cannot issue the approval.

The setback dimensions shown on the site plan must be accurate. A certifier reviewing a carport approval will check the site plan to confirm that the carport meets the standard 6m front setback and 1.5m side and rear setbacks. If the dimensions on the plan don’t match the required setbacks, the certifier will identify this as a deficiency and request revised drawings.

The site plan also shows easements, drainage, sewerage, or access easements that restrict what can be built over parts of the lot. If a proposed structure encroaches on an easement, the certifier will reject it.

What information a drafter needs to produce a site plan

To produce an accurate site plan for a building approval application, a building designer typically needs:

• →The property address and lot/plan number (from your title documents)
• →The lot dimensions (from a registered survey or title dimensions)
• →The location and dimensions of the existing house relative to the lot boundaries
• →Any registered easements (shown on the title search or registered survey)
• →The proposed location and dimensions of the new structure

If existing plans of the house are available (original building plans from the council records or a previous approval), these are useful as a starting point. If not, site measurements are required.

Site plan vs survey plan

A site plan and a survey plan are different documents.

A registered survey is produced by a licensed surveyor who physically measures and marks the lot boundaries on site. It is a legal document that establishes the precise boundary positions. For a standard building approval, a registered survey is not always required, particularly for structures well within the setback distances.

A site plan for a building approval is produced by a building designer (drafter) using the title dimensions and available survey information as the basis. It shows the proposed development in the context of the existing lot.

If the proposed structure is very close to a boundary and precise setback measurements are critical to the approval, a certifier may request a registered survey to confirm the boundary positions. This is relatively uncommon for straightforward residential structures well within setbacks.

How Plan Draft produces site plans

The site plan is produced as part of the fixed price drawing set for every project type we handle. We source lot dimensions from the Queensland title register and cross reference with aerial imagery where available to confirm existing structure positions.

We check setback compliance at suitability review, before any work begins, so you know whether the proposed location will work before we start drawing. Send us your project details to get started.

Common questions