Building Permits - Fees - Surveys

Building Permits - Fees - Surveys

New Construction Plot Plan (survey)

A plot plan shows the local building authorities that your proposed house doesn’t violate set-back requirements, straddle easements, or cross property lines. A Plot Plan is a requirement of almost all building authorities. Incorrect placement is the #1 mistake all builders make. Have a registered, licensed, and insured land surveyor responsible for correct placement of your house during all phases of your project. As you can see, this house was a tight fit. Local zoning and deed restrictions both required a minimum of 10ft. Clearance from the side property lines. I only had 11 & ½ feet on the right side. The chimney had been planned as an external one, but it had to be moved to the inside wall.


Building permits allow you to build and assure you that your house will be built “to code”. They must be posted in a conspicuous place. Sometimes, a building supply company can provide a permit display. Displayed above (left), are two permits, one for the house and one for a detached garage. In most locales, a detached garage can be placed closer to property lines than the house. This allows smaller sized lots to have a (larger) garage.



With the assistance of a registered, licensed, and insured land surveyor, determine the placement of your house on your lot based on the plot plan. By using a registered, licensed, and insured surveyor, if there is a mistake, the surveyor pays to rectify. I have had to move or modify more than one foundation, but not at my expense!