How to Read Site Plans and Development Plans
Mary Pennock, Principal Planner
Lee Garman, Principal Planner
2014 Commonwealth Planning and Zoning Conference
October 13, 2014
Agenda
• Introduction
• Overview of plan elements
• Tabletop review of plans
• Questions
Types of Development Plans
• Conceptual/Sketch Plans
• Site Plans (aka Plans of Development aka PODs)
• Architectural and Building Plans
• Plumbing
• Mechanical
• Elevations
• Subdivision Plats
Conceptual Plans• Function: To illustrate the characteristics of a development and ensure the site can
comply with all applicable ordinance provisions
• Major Elements:
• General layout of the site
• Building locations
• Residential lots
• Street design and access
• Environmental protections areas
• Amenities
• Detail required determined by each jurisdiction
• At a minimum must demonstrate the development will comply with all requirements of the zoning ordinance
Site Plans• Function: To provide construction level detail for all infrastructure elements of
site development
• Major elements:
• Layout – building footprint, parking, loading, internal circulation
• Entrance improvements – can include turn lanes, signalization, etc.
• Drainage
• Stormwater
• Provision of water and sewer (either private or public)
• Landscaping (parking lot, buffers, etc.)
• Lighting (free standing and building mounted)
• Typically prepared by a plan design professional (civil engineer, architect, surveyor, etc.)
Architectural/Building Plans
• Function: To provide construction level detail for structures in a proposed development
• Major elements:
• Floor plan
• Structural design
• Mechanical design
• Plumbing design
• Typically prepared by an licensed architect
Subdivision Plats
• Function: To establish boundaries for individual lots to be recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court
• Major Elements:
• Property lines
• Dedication of right of way (if necessary)
• Source of title
• Owner’s consent statement
• Typically prepared by a licensed surveyor
Tools of the Trade
• Measurement:
• Plan will indicate the scale of the plan either by written (1”:30’) or graphic Engineer’s Scale
• Used primarily for measuring site plans and plats
• Scales at 1”:10’, 20’, 30’ 40’ 50’ and 60’
• Architect’s Scale
• Used primarily for measuring architectural plans
• Scales for a variety of measurements
Feature and Site Identification
• Vicinity Map
• Existing and proposed improvements
• Standard symbols – Legend
Case Study• Atlee Auto and Marley Pointe
• Property rezoned in 2008 for an auto repair establishment along US 301 and a townhouse development to the rear
• Rezoning case included a conceptual plan at the time of rezoning and a proffer that the site plans be developed in substantial conformity with this plan
• Planning Commission was also charged with review and approval of the exterior elevations
• Proffers also required the construction of an off-site left turn lane in US 301
• Property was developed in phases:
• Phase 1 – Atlee Auto commercial site plan and off-site turn lane plans
• Phase 2 – Marley Pointe, Section 1 (22 lots) construction plan and subdivision plat
• Phase 3 – Marley Pointe, Section 2 (50 lots) construction plan and subdivision plat
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