Basic, Medium or Advanced Site Plan: Which Package Fits Your Project?
Choose the Site Plan That Matches Your Project
Compare the included drawing features with your property information and submission checklist before ordering.
The right site plan package depends on what your drawing needs to show. Start with the project and the receiving authority’s checklist, then compare those requirements with the available package features.
A small project can require several site details. A larger project may need separate technical documents alongside its site layout. Choosing by project size or package name alone can therefore leave important information missing.
Compare the Published Package Features
Site Plan Pros currently lists Basic at $99, Medium at $119 and Advanced at $159. The table below summarizes the published comparison. Confirm current prices and inclusions before ordering.[1]
| Package | Published features |
|---|---|
| Basic — $99 | Lot dimensions, distances between structures, main structures, adjacent street names, north arrow, parcel map, property lines and scale. |
| Medium — $119 | Basic features, plus fences, global coordinates, landscape, lawn, setbacks, swimming pool and trees. |
| Advanced — $159 | Medium features, plus decks, driveways, custom site plans, easements, paths, parking spots, porches, septic tanks, shrubs and wells. |
These are drawing features. Showing a feature does not establish that its location has been field-surveyed, that its design is engineered or that a permit will be approved.
When Should You Consider Basic?
Consider Basic when its listed features cover the complete layout you need. Before choosing it, check whether the receiving authority also wants boundary setback dimensions, fences, access areas or other details outside that list.
For example, a request to show the house and another structure may sound straightforward. If the reviewer also asks for distances from the proposed work to property boundaries, confirm the appropriate package before ordering.
Describe the proposed changes clearly rather than assuming that the project name tells the drafter everything needed.
When Should You Consider Medium?
Consider Medium when the drawing needs its additional site features. A fence or pool project may involve several surrounding elements, even when the proposed work occupies a relatively small area.
As an example, a pool layout might need to explain the relationship between the pool, house, fence and trees. If the submission also requires equipment details, drainage design or other documents, establish those requirements separately.
The project type is a starting point. The actual drawing checklist determines whether the package fits.
When Should You Consider Advanced?
Consider Advanced when the proposal needs its broader range of layout features. Projects involving parking, access routes, existing infrastructure or multiple improvements can require more context across the property.
For example, a proposed garage might involve a driveway extension, parking arrangement and an easement near the work area. Explain all of these elements when describing the order.
Confirm how any custom requirements will be handled. A package name should not be treated as a promise that every possible document is included.
Use the Permit Checklist to Make the Decision
Ask the city, county or HOA what the submission must contain. Then highlight each requested item and compare it with the package description.
Local requirements can be detailed. Portland’s residential site plan guidance, for example, asks applicants to show existing features, proposed development and public right-of-way information.[2] This illustrates why a drawing may need to include more than the new structure alone.
Use our site plan requirements checklist to help organize your questions, while following the specific instructions for your property.
Check Whether a Survey or Professional Seal Is Required
A more detailed drawing package does not automatically satisfy a requirement for a certified survey or professionally sealed document.
Fairfax County, for example, requires house location plats submitted under its guidance to be signed and sealed by a licensed professional.[3] That local requirement must be addressed directly when selecting a service.
Read the request carefully. If it mentions certification, surveyed boundaries, elevations, grading or engineering, clarify the required professional involvement before ordering.
Our guide to site plans versus surveys explains the distinction further.
Prepare Your Information Before Ordering
A suitable package still needs a clear project brief. Gather:
- The complete property address and parcel number, if available.
- Existing surveys, property plans and previous approvals.
- Photos showing the property and proposed work area.
- A marked-up sketch identifying what stays, changes or goes.
- Known dimensions and supplier drawings.
- The receiving authority’s checklist or written comments.
Identify uncertain measurements and missing documents. Do not substitute a fence location for a legal boundary or assume an aerial image establishes underground service positions.
A Simple Way to Choose
Write a short description of the project, list every feature the drawing must show and compare that list with the published packages. If an essential item is unclear, ask about it before placing the order.
Choose the package that covers the required layout information, and arrange any additional survey, structural or engineering documents the project needs.
Ready to Choose Your Site Plan Package?
Review the current options and match the included features with your project and submission requirements.
Sources
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Site Plan Pros:
Published Basic, Medium and Advanced package comparison.
Prices and features checked October 17, 2026. -
City of Portland:
Drawing a site plan.
Local example of required site information. -
Fairfax County:
Submitting House Location Plats.
Local example of professional-certification requirements.