# Deck Site Plan – Create a Permit-Ready Deck Site Plan Online
Create a Deck Site Plan in Minutes – No CAD Required
Stop second-guessing where your deck can go. Enter your address, see your property lines, and create a professional deck site plan in minutes — without learning CAD or waiting on a drafter.
Create My Deck Site Plan from address
The Smartest Way to Get a Deck Site Plan for Your Permit
A deck permit site plan is a scaled drawing that shows your property boundaries, your house footprint, and the exact location of your proposed deck. Your local building department needs this document to verify your deck meets height limits, setback requirements, and zoning rules before you pour footings or hammer a single nail.
Here's the thing most people miss: a missing or incorrect site plan is one of the top reasons deck permit applications get kicked back. And deck permits are trickier than they look — height triggers, attachment rules, and setback variances vary wildly by city. One wrong measurement on your drawing can cost you weeks of delays.
SitePlans.ai changes that. You don't need to measure your property manually, learn CAD, or hire a drafter. Just enter your address, and we'll show your property lines. Add your proposed deck, label it, and export a clean PDF.
SitePlans.ai is for preliminary, conceptual site plans where local rules allow homeowner or contractor-prepared drawings. It is not a licensed survey or sealed engineering plan. Always verify requirements with your local building department.
Who Needs a Deck Site Plan?
- Homeowners adding a new deck, replacing an old one, or expanding an existing deck
- Deck builders and contractors pulling permits for residential deck installations
- General contractors managing deck work as part of a larger renovation
- Remodelers including deck additions in their scope of work
- DIY homeowners who want to save money by preparing their own site plan
If your city requires a permit for your deck — and most do for decks over a certain height or size — you likely need a site plan. Some cities exempt decks under 2 feet above grade from permits, but zoning and setback rules still apply. Always check with your local building department first.
What a Deck Site Plan Looks Like
Here's an example of a deck site plan created with SitePlans.ai:
[IMAGE: Deck site plan created with SitePlans.ai showing property lines, existing house, driveway, and proposed deck with dimensions to property lines and setbacks]
A complete deck site plan typically includes:
| Element | What to Show |
|---|---|
| Property lines | Boundaries with dimensions |
| Existing structures | House, garage, driveway, existing decks |
| Proposed deck location | Exact footprint of the new deck |
| Deck details | Size (length x width), height above grade, and use |
| Setbacks | Distances from deck to property lines and structures |
| Easements | Utility, drainage, or access easements |
| Height information | Distance from grade to walking surface |
| North arrow & scale | Orientation and measurement reference |
| Title block | Address, owner name, project description, date |
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How to Create a Deck Site Plan with SitePlans.ai
Step 1: Enter Your Address
Type your property address into the search bar. SitePlans.ai pulls property lines and site context so you're not starting from a blank page.
Step 2: Confirm Your Parcel
Review the property lines shown on the map. If something looks off, you can verify with your county GIS or tax records.
Step 3: Add Your Proposed Deck
Click the Structures tool and select "Deck" or "Patio." Place the deck footprint on your property where you plan to build it — typically attached to the house.
Step 4: Label Your Deck
Add key details: deck dimensions (length x width), height above grade, and any special features (stairs, railings, roof structure). Label distances from the deck to property lines and structures.
Step 5: Add Setbacks and Easements
Show required setbacks from property lines. Note any utility easements or rights-of-way that affect deck placement.
Step 6: Review and Export
Check that your title block shows the correct address and project description. Export your deck site plan as a PDF.
Step 7: Submit or Upgrade
Submit your PDF with your permit application. If your project is complex or your city requires a human-reviewed plan, order a done-for-you permit-ready plan from SitePlans.us.
What to Check Before Exporting Your Deck Site Plan
☑Property address is correct Property lines are accurate (verify with county records if unsure)
☑Deck location is clearly shown with dimensions
☑Deck size, height, and features are labeled
☑Setbacks from property lines are shown
☑Easements are noted if applicable
☑Height above grade is indicated
☑North arrow and scale are included
☑Title block shows project name, owner, and date
Deck Site Plan Pricing
Start free. Upgrade when you need more.
| Plan | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free / Basic | Homeowners with one deck project | Limited lookups, one project, basic PDF export |
| Contractor Pro | Deck builders, GCs with multiple jobs | More projects, more address lookups, branded title blocks |
| Builder Plan | High-volume deck builders | More monthly plans, advanced layers, production use |
| Done-for-you (SitePlans.us) | Complex projects, rejections, urgent deadlines | Human-reviewed, permit-ready plan delivered fast |
Start with the free version to see if SitePlans.ai works for your deck project. Upgrade when you need more capacity or a done-for-you plan.
Deck Permit Site Plan Checklist
Before you submit your deck permit application, make sure your site plan includes:
- Property address — Full street address
- Property lines — All boundaries with dimensions
- Existing structures — House, garage, driveway, other decks
- Proposed deck — Exact footprint, size, height, and features
- Setbacks — Distances from deck to property lines and structures
- Easements — Utility, drainage, or access easements
- Height information — Distance from grade to walking surface
- North arrow — Orientation reference
- Scale — Drawing scale (e.g., 1" = 10')
- Title block — Project name, owner, date
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Common Mistakes That Delay Deck Permits
| Mistake | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| No property lines shown | Always show property boundaries with dimensions |
| Missing deck dimensions | Label deck size clearly (e.g., "16' x 20'") |
| No height information | Show distance from grade to walking surface |
| No setbacks | Show distances from deck to property lines |
| Forgetting easements | Check for utility or drainage easements and note them |
| Hand-drawn sketch | Use a clean, scaled digital plan |
| No north arrow or scale | Always include orientation and measurement reference |
| Assuming no permit needed | Check with your local building department first — many cities require permits for decks over a certain height |
Deck Site Plan FAQ
1. Do I need a site plan for a deck permit?
Most cities require a site plan for a deck permit. The site plan shows property lines, existing structures, and proposed deck location with dimensions. Some cities exempt decks under 2 feet above grade from permits, but zoning and setback rules still apply. Always check with your local building department.
2. Can I use SitePlans.ai for a deck permit?
Yes, if your city accepts homeowner or contractor-prepared site plans. SitePlans.ai helps you create a preliminary, conceptual site plan from your address. Always verify requirements with your local building department before submitting.
3. What if my city requires a survey for a deck permit?
Some cities require a licensed survey for deck permits. SitePlans.ai is not a survey. If your city requires a surveyor's stamp, you'll need to hire a licensed professional. Check with your building department first.
4. What should a deck site plan show?
A deck site plan should show: property lines, existing structures, proposed deck location with dimensions, deck size and height, setbacks, easements, north arrow, scale, and title block.
5. How much does a deck site plan cost?
SitePlans.ai offers a free basic plan for homeowners. Contractor Pro and Builder plans are available for professionals. Done-for-you permit-ready plans from SitePlans.us start at competitive rates. Start with the free version to see if it works for your project.
6. Can a homeowner draw their own deck site plan?
Yes, in most cities. Homeowners can prepare their own site plans for deck permits. SitePlans.ai makes it easy — just enter your address, see your property lines, add your proposed deck, and export a PDF.
7. What if my property lines don't look right?
Some areas show cleaner property lines than others. If your property lines don't look right, verify with your county GIS or tax assessor. You can also use the done-for-you option from SitePlans.us.
8. Can contractors use SitePlans.ai for client deck projects?
Yes. Contractor Pro and Builder plans are designed for deck builders, GCs, and small builders who need site plans for multiple client projects.
9. What if my permit reviewer asks for revisions?
If your deck site plan is rejected, you can revise it in SitePlans.ai and export a new PDF. For complex revisions or if the reviewer requires a sealed plan, consider the done-for-you option from SitePlans.us.
10. What if my deck is in a floodplain or historic district?
Floodplains and historic districts may have additional requirements. Your site plan may need to show floodplain limits or historic district approvals. Check with your local building department before submitting.
Ready to Create Your Deck Site Plan?
Stop waiting on a drafter. Stop guessing where your deck can go. Enter your address, see your property lines, and create a professional deck site plan in minutes.
[Create My Deck Site Plan Now]
Need a human-reviewed, permit-ready plan?
Get a done-for-you deck site plan from SitePlans.us — for complex projects, rejections, or urgent deadlines.
[Get a Done-for-You Permit-Ready Plan →]
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Important to Know
SitePlans.ai helps create preliminary and permit-style site plans for smaller residential projects where local rules allow homeowner or contractor-prepared drawings. It is not a licensed land survey, engineering plan, architectural plan, or legal boundary document. Some jurisdictions require a licensed surveyor, engineer, architect, or other professional. Always confirm requirements with the local building department before submitting.