Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on Site Plan

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Q1. What is a Site Plan?

A Site plan is an architectural plan and a detailed engineering drawing of proposed improvement to a particular land (plot) or a property, that shows exact size, shape and location of all existing and proposed buildings and structures, parking areas, driveways, walkways and patios that are present around the site and on site.

There are two stages of site plan:

  1. Site plan showing the existing plot with dimension & existing site surroundings.
  2. Site Plan indicating the proposed design that shows all the landscape, pathways, roof and building orientation.

Q2. What is the purpose of a Site Plan

Site plans are intended to show how the land for development is used in relation with the surroundings. It also helps in approval of the design from the authority who assures that the development meets the rules and the norms of the D.C.R. (Development Control Regulations) of that location. A development that is not in compliance with the D.C.R. is not granted permits.

Q3. Why do We need a Site Plan?

Site plan increases the understanding of the scope of the project and provides you with the glimpse of how the structure will look like before starting with the actual construction. It provides us with the scope of changes and alteration to the project. It justifies the structure with the surroundings.

Q4. Who Prepares a Site Plan

Site plan is prepared by a licensed Architect, Landscape Architect, Engineer or a Land Surveyor.

Q5: HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS AROUND THE SITE? HOW TO START WITH SITE PLANNING?

A proper site analysis is carried out which involves a lot of research, synthesis & analysis in relation with a particular site. Site analysis is the preparatory step towards site planning.

Q6: HOW DO I READ A SITE PLAN?

Site plans are easy to read when all the nomenclature and indication are in place. One can read them to understand the site plan. For example,

  1. With the help of north sign one can understand the orientation.
  2. Scale and the unit used are always mentioned on the site plan.
  3. Levels and building line, plot dimensions are also mentioned on the site plan.

If one still finds it difficult to understand, site plans are always teamed up with sections and perspectives that make it all clear to the one reading the site plan.

Q7: ARE THERE DIFFERENT PURPOSES FOR PREPARING A SITE PLAN?

Yes. There are different purposes for preparing a site plan so as to make it a clear readable drawing rather than making it a clutter of indications.

  1. Roof plan with site.

You can see the roof of the structure and the surrounding landscape.

  1. Ground floor with site.

It helps to relate the outdoor area with the interiors. For example, which part of the outdoor zone is visible from which window & which door takes you to the outdoor area. 

  1. Services site plan.

All the lighting connections (street lights) , location of underground tank, sewage treatment plant, Main water supply line, water supply connection, location of the hydrants, are mentioned in the plan. It is provided with a legend which makes it easy to understand.

  1. Setting out site plan.

In this plan, all the dimensions are provided from the benchmark to the building point to start with the construction.

Q8: WHAT IS THE MAJOR ROLE OF SITE PLAN?

  1. Landscape Architecture

It involves the organizational zoning of land and other factors by arranging landforms, plantations, water bodies, and the building.  It also involve the study about slopes, suitable vegetation, placement of trees, orientation, etc. are assessed and mapped.

  1. Transportation Planning.

It is the journey from entry to exit through the site. Proper Planning of how the vehicles & people circulate on site to avoid clash. To move people and control the crowd and encouraging use of public transport. All this matters in transportation planning keeping in mind the purpose of the project and its function and which class of end user it’s going to cater. It ensures Proper drop out zones and pickup points on site.

Q9: HOW DO I KNOW IF THE SITE PLAN IS COMPLETE? WHAT ALL SHOULD APPEAR ON A SITE PLAN?

  1. The most important thing a site plan should indicate is title block, giving the project name, drawing type, scale used.
  2. North sign for the orientation.
  3. Key dimension.
  4. Site boundary and adjoining roads.
  5. Existing structures on site & information about the demolishing and retaining of the structures.
  6. Existing trees and plantations and proposed landscape.
  7. Internal roads, paved areas, footpaths.
  8. Parking, vehicle circulations.

Further, separate site plans are provided for layout of,

  1. Water supply, inspection chambers location, drainage systems, storm water drains.
  2. Street lights, external lighting systems and connection.
  3. Compound wall, entrance and exit circulation for pedestrians and vehicles.
  4. Fire hydrants, breeching lines, escape routes, Fire brigade circulation.

Q10: ARE SITE PLANS JUST A REQUIREMENT TO FULFILL? ARE THEY JUST FOR OBTAINING THE PERMIT?

A site plan is the integral part of the design process. During the design, Site plans evolve from the conceptual stage to the final stage. Teamed up with sections and perspectives they show us the beauty of the upcoming project before the execution starts. It ensures us that the proposed design will fit in the land and belongs to the site and its surroundings.

Any design is incomplete without a site plan. Whenever you think of construction or want a planned process of work or need an idea of how your idea will look on the ideally preferred site so go ahead and find a site plan full of ideas. If you are still confused, read the first word to find your answer and this time be a little slow!

Do Let us know if you have any quiries