Planning to do land development project? Before construction begins, you need one critical green light: site plan review and approval.
Every city and county requires a site plan that shows how your project fits within local codes, zoning, drainage, and utility systems. The process can be detailed—but with the right team and steps in place, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
At RSP Engineers, we help clients navigate this process daily. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the site plan approval process works—and how to make it as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Hire a Civil Engineer and Surveyor
The first step is assembling your team.
You’ll need:
A licensed land surveyor to map the existing conditions
A civil engineer to design the site plan based on local requirements
Your engineer will use the survey to design grading, drainage, utilities, and layout.
Step 2: Conduct a Site Analysis
Before design begins, the site must be evaluated for:
Topography and elevation
Zoning and land use restrictions
Setbacks and easements
Environmental features (wetlands, flood zones)
Utility access and roadways
A strong site analysis helps avoid costly redesigns later in the approval process.
Step 3: Prepare the Civil Site Plan
Your civil engineer will design a full site plan that may include:
Property boundaries and building layout
Grading and drainage patterns
Stormwater management features
Utility connections (water, sewer, electric)
Erosion control measures
Parking, driveways, and access
Construction notes and technical details
Plans must meet your city or county’s engineering standards and permitting checklist.
Step 4: Submit to the Local Review Agency
Once the site plan is complete and sealed by a professional engineer, it is submitted to your:
Local building or planning department
Public works or engineering division
Zoning and environmental review boards (as needed)
Some projects in Florida may also require review by county agencies or Water Management Districts.
Step 5: Respond to Reviewer Comments
After submission, plan reviewers may issue comments requesting:
Revisions to layout or drainage
Clarifications on calculations or specifications
Adjustments to meet setback, ADA, or utility requirements
At RSP Engineers, we work quickly to revise and resubmit plans, minimizing project delays.
Step 6: Receive Final Approval
Once all comments are addressed and the plans are accepted, you’ll receive your site plan approval. This clears the way to:
Apply for building permits
Begin site preparation and construction
Coordinate with contractors and inspectors
Some jurisdictions may issue approval letters, digital stamps, or signed plan sets.
Bonus Tip: Start Early
Site plan approval can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on your jurisdiction, project type, and the complexity of your design.
By starting early—and working with experienced engineers—you can stay ahead of deadlines and move your project forward without unnecessary delays.
Get Permit-Ready with RSP Engineers
At RSP Engineers, we specialize in civil site plans for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across Florida and beyond. We’ll guide you from survey to submission—and handle the details that make approval faster and easier.
