Plan Preparation:

Requests to construct, demolish, convert or alter in any significant manner any building, structure or major appurtenance require submittal of a plan that complies with minimum specifications established by the Building Services Department. The number of plans required varies, based on the type of request and the applicant should contact a Planner or Building Representative to identify the number of plans required. The review and approval of methods to reduce or correct earthquake damage associated with certain types of structures constructed prior to January 9, 1934, are also performed.

County plan check engineers and technicians will review plans submitted to ensure that building codes and other construction regulations are met. The amount of time required for a plan check varies depending on the complexity and size of a proposed permit project.

Plot Plans:
A plot plan is the most common form of plan submitted to the Building Services Department. A plot plan is a simple diagram of a lot or parcel as viewed from an elevated (above ground) position. The plot plan shows the outline of all existing and proposed structures, all existing and proposed property lines, and the distance from property lines to structures or other appurtenances. A plot plan also shows property dimensions, street locations, parking locations and any significant features that affect the construction, demolition, and conversion or alteration request.

Site Plans:
A site plan is a more advanced or detailed version of a plot plan. A site plan shows:

• Lot line and dimensions
• Location of existing and proposed buildings, structures and appurtenances from property lines and adjacent structures and roadways
• Uses of adjoining and abutting lots
• All parking and loading facilities showing stalls, access, circulation, docks, ramps, curbs and all fences and dimensions
• Location of trash containers and other public receptacles
• All existing and proposed easements
• Setback lines, property dimensioned
• All contiguous and adjacent properties, streets and alleys, showing centerline and both curb lines; street widths, right-of-ways lines and street names
• Lots sizes, lot coverage, building areas (by floor) and total floor area to lot size ratio
• North arrow specified
• Street addresses shown for residential, commercial and other structures.

Floor Plans:
A floor plan is a diagram that shows general room configurations including room sizes, window and door sizes and entry locations, and types of room uses.

Landscape Plans:
A landscape plan consists of two elements:

• A planting plan that illustrates the species names (generic/Latin), sizes and location for all plants shown.
• An irrigation plan that illustrates the layout of the sprinkler system and indicates the sizes of sprinkler pipes, sprinkler heads, pressure of system and spacing of sprinkler heads.

Elevation:
An elevation is a drawing that depicts the exterior sides of a building. Elevation drawings should be depicted to scale, with roof peak to ground elevation heights shown. Exterior building façade materials should be specified. Photographs that depict the major side elevations of a building should be included as part of a site plan submittal.

Format for Plans:
All plans should be fully dimensioned and drawn to a scale of ¼" - 1'0" size and reduced to 18" X 24" size. Plans should be folded to 9" X 12" size and bound together by rubber band or other holder.

Number of Plans:
The number of copies required per submittal depends on the type of application. Information regarding the number of plans required for each application type can be obtained from the Permits Center staff or by contacting the Building Services Department.