Create a Washington Site Plan in Minutes – No CAD Required
Our site plan creator webtool 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.
What Makes Washington Different
Washington's approach to site plans is shaped by a few key factors: a homeowner-friendly culture, detailed environmental regulations, and a growing digital permitting system.
Homeowners can draw their own plans in most jurisdictions. Thurston County provides a "How to Prepare a Site Plan" guide and explicitly states that site plans "can be hand-drawn or prepared using design software". In Tumwater, you can draw a site plan to scale. Maple Valley provides detailed site plan submittal requirements.
Environmental review adds layers. Washington has strict Critical Areas ordinances — wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplains, and high groundwater all trigger additional site plan requirements. Maple Valley requires critical areas and buffers affecting the lot to be shown. Tumwater requires floodplain boundaries and wetland buffers.
Topographic requirements are detailed. Maple Valley requires existing elevation contour lines in two-foot intervals. Tumwater requires contour lines in two-foot increments and elevations of existing and proposed site corners. Thurston County requires topographic information for the entire property.
The binding site plan process. Washington law defines a "binding site plan" as a drawing to a scale specified by local ordinance that identifies and shows the areas and locations of all streets, roads, improvements, utilities, open spaces, and other matters. This is typically required for subdivisions and large developments.
Digital submissions are growing. Many jurisdictions now accept online permit applications through portals like Pierce County's online permitting system. However, some still require paper copies — Maple Valley requires site plans submitted in person.
Seattle has the state's most structured process. The Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) requires a detailed site plan per Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements, for all applications. Seattle also has a comprehensive set of height and yard standards for residential zones.
What Washington Building Departments Ask For On A Site Plan
Based on official requirements from multiple Washington jurisdictions, a complete site plan typically includes:
| Element | What to Show | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Property boundaries | Lot lines with dimensions, total area in square feet | Establishes where your property starts and ends |
| Parcel number and address | Tax parcel number and site address | Required for all applications |
| Setbacks | Distances from structures to property lines, for eaves and foundation | Most common rejection reason — must match your zoning |
| Existing and proposed structures | Footprint, dimensions, area, and use — show eave overhangs and bump outs | Shows what exists and what you're adding |
| Easements | All public and private easements, dimensions and purpose | You can't build on easements |
| Streets and driveways | Adjacent streets, driveways with dimensions, curb cuts | Establishes property access |
| Utilities | Water, sewer, gas, electricity, stormwater stub-out locations | Shows how the property connects to utilities |
| Topography/contours | Existing contour lines in two-foot intervals; lot-corner elevations for flat lots | Required for drainage and grading review |
| Impervious surfaces | Area in square feet and percentage coverage | Required for stormwater management |
| Critical areas | Wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplain, high groundwater, and buffers | Required if present |
| Tree protection | All trees 6 inches in diameter or greater — indicate retained, removed, or planted | Required in many jurisdictions |
| North arrow | Orientation reference | Required on every plan |
| Scale | Minimum 1″ = 20′ | Ensures accurate measurements |
| Title block | Parcel number, address, project name, designer name, signature, date | Identifies the project and responsible party |
Scale requirements across Washington:
- Maple Valley: Minimum 1″ = 20′
- Federal Way: Minimum 1″ = 20′
- Blaine: 24″ × 36″ minimum; 11″ × 17″ allowed if drawn to scale
- Thurston County: 1″ = 30′ or 1″ = 100′
- Tumwater: 1″ = 10′ or larger; 1″ = 20′ for lots over 10,000 sq ft
- Puyallup: 1″ = 20′
Copy requirements vary by jurisdiction:
- Maple Valley: 5 copies of site plan
- Blaine: 3 full-size plans or 2 full-size + 1 digital
- Kent: 4 copies of site plan for garage conversions
- Tumwater: 2 copies of all plans
City and County Notes: What You Need to Know
Seattle
Seattle has the most detailed site plan requirements in the state. The Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) requires a site plan for all applications.
What Seattle requires:
- Site plan per Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements, and 103A, Site Plan Guidelines
- Property boundaries with dimensions
- Location of existing structures
- Proposed construction clearly labeled
- Setbacks from all property lines
- Driveways and access points
- Complete legal description of the property including easements
- Minimum 1/8″ lettering
- Structural notes including design loads
- Full set of architectural and structural drawings
Setbacks in Seattle (SF 5000 zone): Front 20 feet, side 5 feet, rear 25 feet, lot coverage max 35%, FAR max 0.5.
Pierce County
Pierce County provides detailed guidance for residential construction permits.
What Pierce County requires:
- Compliant Site Plan
- Construction or Floor Plans
- Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) Worksheets
- Drainage Plan
- Septic and Sewer Approval
- Environmental and Land Use permits
- Site-specific Design Criteria
Thurston County
Thurston County is one of the most homeowner-friendly jurisdictions in the state.
What Thurston County requires:
- Site plans can be hand-drawn or prepared using design software
- Black ink only — colored site plans or aerial photographs are not accepted
- 11″ × 17″ sized paper or smaller
- Two site plans for large parcels
- Impervious surface calculations
- Storm Water Drainage Plan
Maple Valley
Maple Valley has detailed site plan submittal requirements.
What Maple Valley requires:
- 5 copies of site plan
- North arrow and minimum scale of 1″ = 20′
- Name of designer, signature, and date
- Lot address and tax parcel number
- Adjacent streets and lot lines with dimensions and area in square feet
- Existing elevation contour lines in two-foot intervals
- Proposed grade elevations
- All public and private easements
- Location of utilities and utility structures
- Location of exterior mechanical equipment
- Location of wells, septic tanks, and drainfields
- Trees 6 inches or greater — indicate retained, removed, or planted
- Critical areas and buffers affecting the lot
Tumwater
Tumwater requires two copies of all plans and specifications.
What Tumwater requires:
- Scale: 1″ = 10′ or larger; 1″ = 20′ for lots over 10,000 sq ft
- Minimum plan sheet size: 18″ × 24″
- North arrow, property lines, easements
- Vicinity map and zoning district
- Distances from structures to property lines and easements
- Contour lines in two-foot increments
- Elevations of existing and proposed site corners
- Building coverage as a percentage of lot area
- Wetlands, floodplain boundaries, and buffers
- Existing and proposed septic systems
- Existing and proposed wells with 100-foot radius
- Stormwater drainage facilities
- All existing and proposed utilities
Federal Way
Federal Way has strict professional stamp requirements.
What Federal Way requires:
- Site and Civil plans: 1″ = 20′ minimum
- Plan sheet size: 24″ × 36″
- Topographic and boundary survey must be stamped by a surveyor licensed in Washington
- Survey datum must be KCAS or NGVD-29
- All structural plan sheets stamped by a structural engineer licensed in Washington
- All civil plan sheets stamped by a civil engineer licensed in Washington
- Projects over 4,000 sq ft must be stamped by an architect
Other Washington Jurisdictions
- Blaine: Minimum 24″ × 36″ plans; 11″ × 17″ allowed if drawn to scale
- Kent: 4 copies of site plan for garage conversions
- Puyallup: 1″ = 20′ minimum scale
- Shoreline: Site plan must show project locations, property boundaries, setbacks, key site features
- Thurston County: Site plans can be hand-drawn; black ink only
- Tumwater: 1″ = 10′ scale standard
Projects That Need A Site Plan In Washington
Based on official requirements across the state:
| Project | Site Plan Required? | Can Homeowner Draw? | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New single-family home | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (in most jurisdictions) | Pierce County: compliant site plan required |
| Addition (footprint changes) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Shoreline: site plan shows project locations |
| Detached garage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Accessory structures require site plan |
| Shed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Thurston County: identify structure type (house, barn, shop, shed) |
| Deck | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Blaine: decks must be labeled |
| Patio | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Blaine: patios must be labeled |
| Fence | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ Yes | Check with your local building department |
| Pool | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Site plan required |
| ADU | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Site plan required |
| Garage conversion | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Kent: 4 copies of site plan required |
| Renovations (no footprint change) | ⚠️ May not require | ✅ Yes | Interior work may not require a site plan |
What Reviewers Actually Look For
Based on official Washington checklists, here's what plan reviewers check first:
| Review Item | Why It Gets Flagged |
|---|---|
| No scale | Must be drawn to scale — minimum 1″ = 20′ in many jurisdictions |
| No north arrow | Orientation reference required on every plan |
| No setbacks shown | Most common rejection reason — all structure-to-property-line distances must be dimensioned |
| No property line dimensions | All property lines must be dimensioned |
| No easements shown | Utility and drainage easements must be shown |
| No parcel number | Required in most jurisdictions |
| Missing designer signature | Designer must sign and date the site plan |
| No impervious surface calculation | Required in most jurisdictions |
| No topography/contours | Required for properties with elevation changes |
| No critical areas shown | Wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplains must be shown |
| No tree protection | Trees 6 inches or greater must be shown |
| Colored plans | Black ink only — colored site plans not accepted |
Washington County-by-County Coverage
Our site plan generator is actively expanding coverage across Washington. Currently supported counties include:
| County | Status | Key Cities |
|---|---|---|
| King | ✅ Supported | Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton |
| Snohomish | ✅ Supported | Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville |
| Pierce | ✅ Supported | Tacoma, Puyallup |
| Spokane | ✅ Supported | Spokane, Spokane Valley |
| Thurston | ✅ Supported | Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater |
| Clark | ✅ Supported | Vancouver, Camas |
| Additional counties | 🚀 Adding regularly | Check back for updates |
Coverage note: Some areas show cleaner property lines than others. If your property lines don't look right in our online site plan maker, verify with your county GIS or the county assessor's office. You can also use the done-for-you option from SitePlans.us (non-certified, permit-ready only).
How Our Site Plan Creator Helps In Washington
Our site plan creator webtool is built for Washington homeowners and contractors who need a clean, readable site plan to start their permit application — without learning CAD or waiting on a drafter.
What our online site plan maker can do:
- Enter your Washington address — pull property lines and site context
- Add your proposed project — shed, fence, deck, patio, pool, garage, ADU, or addition
- Label distances and setbacks — show required setbacks from property lines
- Add topography and contour notes — if applicable for properties with elevation changes
- Add critical area notes — wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplains if present
- Add impervious surface calculation — show square footage and percentage
- Add tree locations — if required by your jurisdiction
- Export a clean, permit-style PDF — ready for submission
Important: Washington jurisdictions vary in their site plan requirements. Most accept homeowner-drawn plans, but some require plans stamped by a Washington-licensed professional. Our browser-based site plan maker does not provide surveys or sealed plans. Use it for:
- Early project visualization
- Creating a draft to share with a licensed professional
- Understanding what information you need
- Projects in jurisdictions that accept homeowner-prepared plans
If your project is complex, has been rejected, is urgent, or requires a human-reviewed plan, consider the done-for-you option from SitePlans.us (non-certified, permit-ready only).
When To Use Our Site Plan Generator vs A Surveyor
| Situation | Best Path |
|---|---|
| New home construction (most jurisdictions) | Our site plan generator for planning; homeowners can draw their own in many jurisdictions |
| Projects in Federal Way | Licensed surveyor (topographic and boundary survey required) |
| Projects over 4,000 sq ft | Licensed architect (plans must be stamped) |
| Structural work | Licensed engineer (structural plans must be stamped) |
| Shed, deck, fence | Our site plan generator; homeowners can draw their own |
| Addition or remodel | Our site plan generator; site plan must show existing and proposed |
| Property with significant elevation changes | Our site plan generator for planning; may need surveyor for contour mapping |
| Property in critical area (wetlands, streams, steep slopes) | Licensed surveyor + engineer |
| Property line uncertainty | Licensed land surveyor |
| City reviewer rejects your plan | Licensed professional or done-for-you service |
Step-By-Step: Create A Site Plan For A Washington Property
- Verify your jurisdiction's requirements — Call your local building department and ask: "For a [shed/deck/addition] permit, do you accept a homeowner-drawn site plan, or do I need a professional stamp?"
- Check if you need engineered plans — Some projects require plans stamped by a Washington-licensed professional.
- Check for critical areas — Verify if your property has wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplains, or high groundwater.
- Check for tree protection requirements — Maple Valley requires trees 6 inches or greater to be shown.
- Enter the property address — Start with your Washington address in our site plan creator webtool.
- Check the property lines — Review the parcel data shown. Verify with your county GIS if something looks off.
- Look up your zoning district — Check with your city or county planning department for setback requirements.
- Add the project type — Select shed, fence, deck, patio, pool, garage, ADU, or addition.
- Show distances and setbacks — Label distances from proposed structures to property lines.
- Add topography and contour notes — if applicable.
- Add critical area notes — wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplains if present.
- Add impervious surface calculation — show square footage and percentage.
- Add tree locations — if required by your jurisdiction.
- Add labels and notes — Include north arrow, scale (minimum 1″ = 20′), title block, parcel number, designer name and signature, and any site-specific notes.
- Export the PDF — Download your preliminary site plan.
- Submit to your local Building Department — Many Washington jurisdictions accept digital submissions.
- Confirm with the Building Department — Verify whether your specific project requires a sealed plan.
Common Mistakes That Delay Washington Permits
| Mistake | What To Do Instead |
|---|---|
| No scale | Must be drawn to scale — minimum 1″ = 20′ in many jurisdictions |
| No north arrow | Orientation reference required on every plan |
| No setbacks shown | All structure-to-property-line distances must be dimensioned |
| No property line dimensions | All property lines must be dimensioned |
| No easements shown | Utility and drainage easements must be shown |
| No parcel number | Required in most jurisdictions |
| Missing designer signature | Designer must sign and date the site plan |
| No impervious surface calculation | Required in most jurisdictions |
| No topography/contours | Required for properties with elevation changes |
| No critical areas shown | Wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplains must be shown |
| No tree protection | Trees 6 inches or greater must be shown |
| Colored plans | Black ink only — colored site plans not accepted |
| Wrong number of copies | Maple Valley: 5 copies; Blaine: 3 full-size |
| No professional stamp (when required) | Some jurisdictions require Washington-licensed professional stamp |
| Plans too large or too small | Check your jurisdiction's sheet size requirements |
FAQ
1. Do I need a site plan for a permit in Washington?
Yes. Most building permit applications require a site plan (or plot plan). Seattle, Pierce County, Thurston County, and most other jurisdictions require a site plan for residential building permits.
2. Can I draw my own site plan in Washington?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. Thurston County explicitly states that site plans "can be hand-drawn or prepared using design software". However, Federal Way requires topographic and boundary surveys stamped by a Washington-licensed surveyor. Always check with your local building department.
3. What is the binding site plan process in Washington?
A "binding site plan" is a drawing to a scale specified by local ordinance that identifies streets, roads, improvements, utilities, open spaces, and other matters. It is typically required for subdivisions and large-scale developments.
4. What scale should my Washington site plan be?
Maple Valley requires minimum 1″ = 20′. Thurston County recommends 1″ = 30′ or 1″ = 100′. Tumwater requires 1″ = 10′ or larger. Check your specific jurisdiction.
5. What should a Washington site plan show?
A Washington site plan should show: property boundaries with dimensions and area, parcel number and address, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, easements, streets and driveways, utilities, topography/contours, impervious surface calculations, critical areas, tree protection, north arrow, scale, and title block.
6. Do I need a professional stamp on my site plan in Washington?
It depends on your jurisdiction and project type. Federal Way requires topographic and boundary surveys stamped by a Washington-licensed surveyor. Projects over 4,000 sq ft must be stamped by an architect. Structural plans must be stamped by a licensed engineer.
7. What are the critical area requirements in Washington?
Washington has strict Critical Areas ordinances — wetlands, streams, steep slopes, floodplains, and high groundwater all trigger additional site plan requirements. Maple Valley requires critical areas and buffers affecting the lot to be shown.
8. Can I be an owner-builder in Washington?
Yes. Homeowners can pull permits for their own homes. However, some jurisdictions require a Washington State Contractors' registration when a contractor will be performing the work.
9. What are the tree protection requirements in Washington?
Maple Valley requires all trees 6 inches or greater in diameter to be shown on the site plan, indicating which are to be removed, retained, or planted.
10. How many copies of plans do I need in Washington?
Maple Valley: 5 copies. Blaine: 3 full-size or 2 full-size + 1 digital. Kent: 4 copies for garage conversions. Tumwater: 2 copies. Check your specific jurisdiction.
11. What size paper do I need for my Washington site plan?
Blaine: 24″ × 36″ minimum; 11″ × 17″ allowed if drawn to scale. Federal Way: 24″ × 36″. Tumwater: 18″ × 24″ minimum. Check your specific jurisdiction.
12. Can I use colored plans in Washington?
No. Thurston County explicitly states that colored site plans or aerial photographs are not accepted.
13. Can I use our site plan generator for a permit in Washington?
Yes, for early planning and visualization. Our site plan creator helps you create a preliminary site plan from your address. Most Washington jurisdictions accept homeowner-drawn plans, but some require sealed plans by a licensed professional. Always verify with your local building department.
14. What if my city requires a survey for a permit?
If your city requires a survey, you'll need to hire a Washington-licensed professional. Our online site plan maker is not a survey. Check with your building department first.
15. What are the plan review timelines in Washington?
Plan review timelines vary by jurisdiction. Seattle: standard residential 6-12 weeks. Having a clear, complete site plan reduces the chance of rejection and delays.
16. Does our site plan creator guarantee my permit will be approved?
No. Our site plan creator helps you prepare a preliminary, conceptual site plan. Final acceptance depends on your local building department, zoning office, HOA, and project scope.
17. When should I use SitePlans.us instead of our site plan creator?
Use SitePlans.us when your project is complex, has been rejected, is urgent, requires human review, or when you want a non-certified permit-ready plan prepared by a professional.
18. What if my property lines don't look right in our site plan creator?
Some areas show cleaner property lines than others. If your property lines don't look right, verify with your county GIS or the county assessor's office. You can also use the done-for-you option from SitePlans.us (non-certified, permit-ready only).
Local Links And Sources
| Source | URL | What It's Useful For |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Building Code | `https://app.leg.wa.gov` | Plot plan and building plan requirements |
| Seattle SDCI Tip 103 | `https://www.seattle.gov` | Site plan requirements, site plan guidelines |
| Pierce County Residential Guide | `https://www.piercecountywa.gov` | Residential construction permits, site plan requirements |
| Thurston County Site Plan Guide | `https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/how-prepare-site-plan` | Homeowner site plan preparation |
| Maple Valley Site Plan Checklist | `https://www.maplevalleywa.gov` | Detailed site plan requirements |
| Tumwater Site Plan Requirements | `https://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us` | Site plan checklist, scale requirements |
| Federal Way Drawing Requirements | `https://www.federalwaywa.gov` | Professional stamp requirements |
| Blaine Submittal Checklist | `https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us` | Minimum site plan submittal requirements |
| Kent Construction Drawings | `https://www.kentwa.gov` | Minimum requirements for construction drawings |
| Shoreline Residential Addition | `https://www.shorelinewa.gov` | Site plan requirements for additions |
| Washington State Contractors Board | `https://www.lni.wa.gov` | Contractor registration requirements |
| FEMA Flood Maps | `https://msc.fema.gov` | Flood zone information |
| Your County GIS | Search `[county name] Washington GIS parcel viewer` | Property boundaries, parcel data |
| Your City Building Department | Search `[city name] Washington building department permits` | Local permit requirements |
Ready to Create Your Washington Site Plan?
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Better to Know
Our online site plan maker 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 Washington jurisdictions require a licensed surveyor, engineer, architect, or other professional. Always confirm requirements with the local building department before submitting.