How To Get A Site Plan Of Property

How To Obtain a Site Plan of Property

A site plan, also known as a plot plan or survey plan, is a detailed drawing that illustrates the existing and proposed conditions of a property. It provides crucial information about property boundaries, building locations, easements, setbacks, landscaping, utilities, and other relevant features. Obtaining a site plan is often necessary for various purposes, including construction projects, renovations, resolving property disputes, and complying with local building codes and regulations. This article outlines the common methods for acquiring a site plan of a property.

The process of obtaining a site plan can vary depending on the location of the property, the availability of existing records, and the specific requirements of the governing jurisdiction. It is crucial to understand the different options available and to follow the appropriate steps to ensure the site plan is accurate and meets the required standards.

1. Searching Public Records and Government Agencies

One of the first steps in obtaining a site plan is to explore public records held by local government agencies. These agencies often maintain records of properties within their jurisdiction, including site plans, surveys, and other relevant documents. The specific agencies and departments that might hold this information vary depending on the municipality, but common sources include:

County Recorder's Office or Land Registry: This office is typically responsible for recording and maintaining property records, including deeds, plats, and surveys. Site plans are sometimes included as part of these records, particularly if they were submitted in connection with a previous construction project or boundary survey. Searching the records at the county recorder's office usually requires providing the property's address or parcel number. Access to these records can often be obtained online or in person at the office.

City or County Planning Department: Planning departments are responsible for regulating land use and development within their jurisdiction. They often maintain records of site plans submitted for building permits, zoning approvals, and other development-related applications. If a previous construction project occurred on the property, the planning department might have a site plan on file. Similar to the county recorder's office, accessing these records often involves providing the property address or parcel number. Some planning departments offer online portals for searching and accessing records.

Building Department: The building department is responsible for enforcing building codes and issuing building permits for construction projects. When a building permit is issued, a site plan is typically required to show the proposed construction and its compliance with zoning regulations and building codes. The building department may have a copy of the site plan submitted with the building permit application. Accessing these records usually involves providing the property address, parcel number, or building permit number.

Tax Assessor's Office: While the tax assessor's office primarily focuses on property valuation for tax purposes, they may maintain records that include property maps or diagrams showing the general layout of properties. These maps may not be as detailed as a formal site plan, but they can provide a basic understanding of the property's boundaries and features. Accessing these records often involves providing the property address or parcel number.

When searching public records, it's important to be patient and persistent. The availability and accessibility of these records can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the age of the property. Some records may be available online, while others may require an in-person visit to the relevant agency. It's also crucial to understand the indexing system used by the agency to effectively search for the desired records.

2. Hiring a Licensed Land Surveyor

If a site plan cannot be located through public records, or if the existing site plan is outdated or inaccurate, hiring a licensed land surveyor is the most reliable method for obtaining a current and accurate site plan. Land surveyors are professionals who are trained and licensed to accurately measure and map land boundaries, topography, and other features. They use specialized equipment and techniques to create detailed site plans that meet professional standards and legal requirements.

The process of hiring a land surveyor typically involves the following steps:

Research and Selection: Obtain quotes from several licensed land surveyors in the area. Compare their experience, qualifications, and fees. It's important to choose a surveyor who is familiar with the local regulations and requirements for site plans.

Property Research: The surveyor will typically conduct research at the county recorder's office and other relevant agencies to gather information about the property's boundaries, easements, and other relevant factors. This research helps the surveyor understand the existing conditions and identify any potential issues that may affect the survey.

3. Consulting With Previous Owners or Contractors

In some cases, previous owners of the property or contractors who have worked on the property may have existing site plans that can be obtained. This can be a relatively simple and cost-effective way to obtain a site plan, particularly if the property is relatively new or has undergone recent renovations or construction.

Previous Owners: Contacting previous owners of the property can be a valuable source of information. They may have retained copies of site plans from when they purchased the property, obtained building permits, or completed any landscaping or construction projects. Reaching out to previous owners can be done through real estate agents, title companies, or online search engines.

Contractors: If the property has undergone recent renovations or construction, the contractors who performed the work may have site plans that were used during the project. These site plans may show the existing conditions of the property as well as the proposed changes. Contacting the contractors who performed the work can be a good way to obtain a site plan that is relevant to the specific project.

When consulting with previous owners or contractors, it's important to verify the accuracy and currency of the site plan. The site plan may be outdated if changes have been made to the property since it was created. It's also important to ensure that the site plan meets the required standards of the local jurisdiction. If there are any doubts about the accuracy or currency of the site plan, it's best to hire a licensed land surveyor to prepare a new one.

While obtaining a site plan from previous owners or contractors can be a convenient option, it's essential to remember that the accuracy and reliability of the site plan cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, it's always advisable to verify the information with public records or by hiring a licensed land surveyor to ensure the site plan meets the required standards and accurately reflects the property's current conditions.

In situations where significant changes to the property are planned, or when legal accuracy is paramount, a new survey prepared by a licensed professional is the most prudent course of action.

Ultimately, the method for obtaining a site plan of property depends on individual circumstances, the availability of existing records, and the specific requirements of the local jurisdiction. By exploring the different options and following the appropriate steps, it is possible to obtain a site plan that meets the necessary requirements and provides valuable information about the property.