A complete site plan for building permit, tailored to your project

A site plan is a simple drawing that shows how the property is laid out. It usually includes where the building sits on the lot, driveways, parking spaces, and other features. In California, the city or county requires a site plan to make sure your project follows zoning rules and safety standards.

Yes, in most cases you do. Whether it’s for a new home, a remodel, or a commercial space, the city usually asks for a site plan. Even small projects often need one so the planning department can confirm the work follows local rules.

A site plan typically shows property lines, building location, driveways, parking spaces, landscaping, and utilities. For commercial projects, it may also need things like ADA-compliant access and fire lanes. Each city in California can have slightly different requirements depending on the location.

The best way is to have a professional familiar with your city’s rules review it. Every county and city in California has its own codes, so what works in Los Angeles might not be accepted in San Diego. Checking directly with your planning department is key.

It depends on the city and the project size. Small projects can take a few weeks, while larger or commercial projects might take several months. On average, many homeowners wait 4 to 8 weeks for approval, but it can be longer if the plan has errors.

If your site plan is rejected, the city will usually give you comments explaining what needs to be fixed. You’ll have to correct the plan and resubmit it. This can delay your project and sometimes add extra costs, which is why it’s important to get it right the first time.

The cost can vary a lot depending on the city and the type of project. In California, professionals may charge anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000+ for handling permit processing, especially for commercial projects. Residential projects are usually on the lower end.

At first it may seem cheaper, but if your application gets rejected, you could face extra fees and delays. Many people end up spending more trying to fix mistakes. Hiring an expert often saves money and time in the long run because the permit is more likely to be approved quickly.

Some of the biggest mistakes are missing property lines, not showing setbacks (the required distance between a building and the property line), forgetting parking layouts, or not following ADA rules in commercial projects. Even small errors can cause rejections.

Yes. Residential and commercial projects have different requirements. For example, a house remodel has simpler rules than opening a restaurant or office. Commercial permits often require parking layouts, accessibility features, and fire department approvals.

Yes. If you build without an approved permit, California cities can issue fines, stop your project, or even order you to remove the work. Having an approved site plan and permit protects you legally and avoids costly penalties.

Usually, yes. Even if you’re adding just a room or a garage, the city often asks for a site plan to confirm setbacks and property limits. Some very small projects (like interior-only remodels) may not need one, but it depends on your local planning department.

Yes. New construction usually requires a full site plan with all details about the property and utilities. Remodels may only need partial details, but if the footprint of the building changes (like an addition), you’ll likely need a full site plan again.