Plot Plans

What is a Plot Plan

A Plot Plan, also known as a Site Plan, is a top-down drawing that shows the boundaries of a property, the location of the building(s) on the property, and any other site improvements. It's essentially a bird's-eye view of your land and everything on it.

The Plot Plan is one of the first steps required in the home building process and often accompanies the request for a Development Permit.

Plot plans are generally required to be submitted and approved by municipalities before construction begins. Plot plans must indicate that the development on the property will be compliant with local bylaws. E.g., some municipalities require a 4-foot setback from the property line whereas others require a 6.5-foot setback.

Components of a plot Plan

A comprehensive plot plan will typically include the following elements:

• Property Lines & Boundaries: Accurate depiction of the legal property lines, often showing dimensions and bearings as well as elevations.
• Property Dimensions: The size and shape of the property, including area measurements.
• Building Footprint: The outline of all buildings on the property, showing their size and shape.
• Setbacks: The distances from the buildings to the property lines, as required by local zoning regulations.
• Easements & Rights-of-Way: Areas where others have the legal right to access or use your property (e.g., utility easements).
• Driveways & Walkways: The location and width of driveways, walkways, and paths.
• Landscaping Features: Existing and proposed trees, shrubs, and other landscaping elements.
• Utilities: Location of underground and above-ground utilities (e.g., water, sewer, gas, electric).
• Structures & Improvements: Location of decks, patios, fences, sheds, pools, and other structures.
• Topography: Contour lines or grading showing the slope and elevation of the land. (Sometimes included, especially for larger properties or complex grading)

When Is a Plot Plan Needed

You’ll likely need a plot plan in the following situations:

• New Construction: For building a new house, garage, or other structure.
• Additions & Renovations: For adding onto an existing building or making significant renovations.
• Fences: To verify property lines before building a fence, depending upon the scope and scale a Fence Line Survey may be sufficient.
• Decks & Patios: To ensure compliance with setbacks and other regulations.
• Pools & Hot Tubs: For permitting and ensuring proper location.
• Sheds & Outbuildings: To comply with zoning regulations and setback requirements.
• Subdivision of Land: To divide a larger property into smaller parcels.
• Resolving Property Line Disputes: To accurately determine property boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who creates a plot plan?

This a potentially complicated answer, often involving multiple parties:

• Land Surveyor: A licensed Alberta Land Surveyor is the most qualified professional to create an accurate and legally defensible plot plan. They use specialized equipment and techniques to measure and map property boundaries and features.
• Architect: An architect may create a plot plan as part of a larger design package, but they often rely on a surveyor to provide the accurate property boundary information.
• Civil Engineer: A civil engineer may create a plot plan for site development projects, especially those involving grading and drainage.