Plot Plan vs Site Plan - [Is there a difference?]

Here we break down what the difference is between a plot plan vs site plan. Are they different plan types or are they the same thing?

In many jurisdictions for development engineers, architects, planners, and contractors all use different terminology than the next.  Sometimes the same end product can have different names.

This is definitely the case with plot plan vs site plan.  In my history working around the country plot plan vs site plan are essentially the same thing.  The only difference is going to be what that municipality wants to see on that site plan or plot plan. Essentially both a plot plan and a site plan are going to be a dimensional drawing that displays the details of a piece of property. Again the exact details on what is provided will vary depending on where the property is located but in the end the plot plan or site plan is providing information to your reviewer on what is on the property or what you plan on doing to your property.

If you haven't check it out get our full run down of what a site plan is. 

You don’t have to take my word for it.  Let’s look at some examples of some different municipalities and then see if we can find one where a plot plan doesn’t necessarily mean a site plan.

Plot Plan Vs Site Plan Example 1

I randomly searched the internet for plot plans and site plans to give you an understanding of how these two terms are the same.

First up, we visit beautiful Warrant County Ohio. This is how they describe a plot plan. Or you can read it here instead of heading to that link:

A plot plan is a dimensional drawing of a property, which indicates the proposed placement of a structure. Although, not typically required to be to scale, a reasonable representative of the size and shape of the lot is required when submitting a zoning permit application.

They go on to provide what information is required on the plot plan. Here is their list:

• Dimensions of property lines;
• Location of road (s) (including centerlines and right-of-ways);
• All existing structures on the property;
• All structures that are to be removed;
• Proposed structure (s);
• Building setbacks*;
• Distance from all property lines to the closest contact to the proposed structure (s);
• Waterways;
• Easements

Seems like typical items that a site plan would have on them, although maybe a site plan would need a little more information (again depends on the municipality).

Okay, let’s move to the City of Midland, Michigan. This city describes a site plan as the following:

The site plan is a plan, drawn to scale, showing the layout of proposed uses and structures. Unlike a plat - which only depicts the subdivision of a parcel into smaller lots along with necessary roads and easements - the site plan includes lot lines, streets, building sites, existing structures, open spaces, landscaping, utilities, and other required information.

So with this one case we can see that they are essentially the same things.  Scaled or sometimes not scaled drawings that show information about a piece of property. 

The biggest takeaway from this is to make sure you understand the requirements from your plot plan or site plan to make the review process as easy as possible!

If you need plot plan or site plan assistance please feel free to reach out to us if your jurisdiction does not require the drawings to be approved or professionally sealed.  Here at property site plan we can do the drawings a lot cheaper and quicker than the average engineering or architectural firm.

 If you have any questions regarding what we can do please feel free to reach out to us on our contact page. We are always ready to assist and help you with any questions about your property.

Or if you want to look at our options so we can create a site plan for your quickly please check out our site plan options here. We can prepare these for you in 24 hours or less!

-Paul @ Property Site Plan