Plans should be drawn on 24-inch by 36-inch paper, using a scale of 1/4-inch per one foot for floor, foundation plans, sections and elevations, and at a scale of 1/8-inch per one foot for site or plot plans. In most cases, two sets of plans and two sets of structural and energy calculations are required for submittal.
Minimum Information Required
The minimum information required on building plans for most construction projects include:
- A site plan showing the property dimensions, the legal description of the site, all existing structures on the site and the proposed new construction, distances between buildings and property lines, drainage patterns and electrical service locations.
- A floor plan showing room locations, sizes and uses, doors, locations and sizes of windows, stairs, and the size and spacing of all structural members of the building.
- Elevations illustrating the building’s exterior appearance, architectural features, height and roof-top features.
- Two structural sections showing the building foundation, floor systems, walls and roof as they would appear if the building were cut in two at a particular plane.
- Electrical, mechanical and plumbing plans are required to show the location and sizes of equipment, wiring, switches and fixtures.
- Handicap access plans are required for additions to and alterations of existing commercial buildings, as well as for new construction.
- General information and specification sheet for materials workmanship.
- Foundation plan showing the layout and dimension sizes, reinforcement and details of anchor bolts and so on.
Plans for smaller jobs requiring a permit should include the appropriate information from the above list for the planned project.