WHAT IS A SITE PLAN?
A site plan is a diagram which is meant to show proposed improvements to a property. A site plan is important because it also includes information in regards to the physical characteristics, features, and uses of a property. The main purpose is to show the exact way that the intended land use relates to the features of a parcel and its surrounding area. A site plan should show what already exists, in addition to presenting what is being proposed. For example, a new structure, such as a garage or residence.
One of the most important features of a site plan is to show the relationship between what already exists, and what it is that you are planning to do. A site plan is used to ensure that local and state codes are adhered to when it comes to making changes and additions to a specific property, and are retained for historical records.
PREPARING A SITE PLAN
One of the first steps in planning a project is the development of an accurate site plan. And, to develop an accurate site plan requires a certain amount of pre-planning and information gathering. The following is a list of information that we recommend obtaining to assist in preparing a site plan.
-
- A legal description of the land on which you plan to develop.
- A record of survey or a plat map of the parcel, drawn to scale if possible.
- Obtain Permit history for the property.
- The size, location, and use any easements recorded on the property.
- Location of underground and overhead utilities. These could include sewer, water, electric, etc.
- Name and/or number of adjacent streets, roads, or highways, and location and size of the rights of way.
- Zoning. Limitations on land use, allowable uses and structures, minimum yard requirements, etc.
- Critical Areas - wetlands, rivers, creeks, streams, steep slopes, erosion or land slide hazard areas, flood zones, habitat areas, etc.
- Proposed location of new structure(s) on the property.
- Location of existing structures - above and below ground.
- Assigned physical address(es).
NON-CERTIFIED VS CERTIFIED
A site plan may be non-certified or certified. A non-certified site plan is one that is created by a property owner, contractor, or landscaper. It is a drawing where the accuracy and dimensions are verified by the property owner. A certified site plan is one that is prepared and stamped by an architect, engineer, surveyor, or other professional. Grays Harbor County (GHC) accepts both certified and non-certified site plans.
SERVICES
Grays Harbor County does not provide site plan services. If a historical site plan of record exists, these may be provided upon request. Should you need assistance preparing a site plan, please contact a consultant in the private sector, a contractor, title company, architect, engineer, surveyor, etc. This is not a service provided by Grays Harbor County.
SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS
The site plan may be prepared electronically or by hand, certified or non-certified, and meet the following standards:
-
- Must be one of the following:
- Letter Size (8 ½ X 11 inch)
- Legal Size (8 ½ X 14 inch)
- Ledger Size (11 X 17 inch)
- Drawn to scale
- North Arrow
- Scale
- Full Property Boundary Lines
- Driveway and Access Location (include name of road intersecting driveway)
- Easements (if applicable)
- Streams, Wetlands, Ponds
- Steep Slopes or Ravines (use arrows to depict slope direction)
- Septic Location (existing and/or proposed)
- Well or Spring Location (existing and/or proposed)
- Existing Structures (i.e. house, barn, garage, etc.)
- Proposed Structures (i.e. house, barn, garage, etc.)
- Off-street Parking
- Landowner Signature
- Must be one of the following:
EXAMPLE SITE PLANS
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Blank Site Plan
- Site Plan Instruction Sheet
- Permit History Search
- Parcel Search
- Property Development Process
- Critical Areas
- Apply Now!
- Map Services
- FEMA's National Flood Hazard Viewer
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Wetlands Mapper
- WA DNR Forest Practices Application Mapping Tool
FAQ's
Still can't find what you are looking for?
Grays Harbor County
Planning & Building Division
100 West Broadway Avenue, #31
Montesano, WA 98563