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