Site Plan Resources

What is a site plan?

A site plan is a vital part of your permitting process. It is a detailed drawing of your existing lot including structures and proposed changes. Submitting an incorrect site plan can lead to lengthy delays in your path to permitting success. The resources on this page will:


  • Help you determine if you should create your own site plan or hire a professional
  • Provide guidance on how to create a site plan
  • Provide examples of good and bad site plans
  • Provide a list of professionals that can help you (third-party charges apply, this list is intended to be a resource and does not imply recommendation or endorsement of those listed)


Contact Us

Submit a question

Email: [email protected]
Call: (253) 798-3739


Chat with us:
image of a chat button Opens in new window


Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Create a Site Plan

1

Gather Your Property Information


Collect the following information:

  • Tax parcel number, property boundaries and dimensions
  • Location of current and proposed building and structures on property
  • Clearing limits (where you would have to bulldoze or clear to make your project happen). A clearing limit is typically 15 feet from the edge of your worksite.
  • Location of utilities and access point of property (sewer, well, water, septic)
Parcel research tools
arrow
2

Determine if you should make your own site plan or hire a consultant


While some residents can hire a professional to complete their site plan, others opt to make their own. This quiz is intended to help you determine if your project is compatible with a "do-it-yourself" method.

Take the self assessment
arrow
3

Gather Your Supplies


  • Engineers scale
  • Blank paper (11" x 17" recommended)
  • Pencil
  • Pen
4

Choose an Appropriate Scale


This is an important detail to get right. An incorrect scale will result in you having to redo and resubmit your site plan.

Video Tutorial
arrow
5

Draw Your Site Plan


You want to include the information you gathered in step three. Use a pencil to draw:

  • Your property boundaries and dimensions.
  • The location of current and proposed structures on the property
  • Location of utilities and access points to the property
  • A north arrow
  • Parcel number and address
  • Your name
  • Scale bar
  • Street names and locations

Go over with a pen to darken lines

6

Submit Your Site Plan


You can submit your plan electronically or take to the drop box located outside the Development Center.


If you choose to submit electronically, it’s important to note that a home scanner of phone app can distort your image, so we recommend visiting a professional vendor like Kinkos or FedEx to scan your site plan to scale. 

Submit
arrow


After submission, you'll receive an email from the county with a submittal document number to track the progress, and we’ll reach out to you if additional items are required once review begins.



Consultants


Pierce County Consultants

Licensed Professionals in the State of Washington


This is not a list of recommended consultants. It is also not a comprehensive list of all companies that work with Pierce County. Prior to choosing a consultant, it is wise to obtain at least three proposals from design professionals. When requesting service from a design or licensed professional, we recommend you verify they are familiar with Pierce County codes, regulations and permitting requirements.


CONSULTANTS: If you would like to be added to the Pierce County list, please contact the “Engineer of the Day” at (253) 798-7037.