What to Include in a Construction Site Plan
A construction site plan is an essential part of project execution. It serves as a guide for all stakeholders and contractors, and it helps keep project timelines on track.
This post covers the essential elements of a construction site plan, why those elements are important, and how to save time in the planning process without sacrificing quality.
9 Essential Construction Site Plan Elements
Site plans vary depending on the scope of the project, but generally, these nine points should be part of every plan:
1. Site Boundaries and Dimensions
A construction site plan should define site boundaries and include all measurements for the building site, including measurements and placement of any existing elements, like sidewalks and landscaping.
2. Setbacks and Easements
Project engineers should include setbacks — the distances between structures and property lines — in every plan. If any easements are at the project site, those should be included, too. (A tip: Easements may require a separate contract with other people and entities that use the easement).
3. Utility Connections and Infrastructure
A site plan must account for utility connections, such as water, electricity, gas, and sewage systems. Details on where these connections will be established, and how they will be accessed during the construction process, are important.
4. Safety and Emergency Planning
Defining safety protocols is an integral part of construction project planning. The site plan should mark locations for first aid stations, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and assembly points in case of an evacuation. It should also specify where to display the street address so it’s visible to emergency responders, and define where emergency vehicles can access the site.
5. Staging and Storage Areas
Construction materials, equipment, and tools need dedicated spaces for storage that are both safe and easily accessible. The site plan should detail where these areas are, along with their dimensions. If any buildings will be used for storage, the plan should specify the dimensions and orientation of doorways.
6. Traffic Flow and Vehicle Access
A site plan drawing should outline designated spots for trucks, machinery, and other vehicles. This includes specifying loading and unloading zones, as well as parking areas for workers and visitors.
Sharing this information with contractors in advance reduces the risk of logistical problems when work begins. For example, contractors can see where they can park and unload materials, along with any space limitations that might require some additional planning.
7. Environmental Considerations
Identify environmental constraints and mitigation strategies on a construction site plan. These may include erosion control measures, stormwater management plans, and guidelines for protecting any sensitive areas. Proper environmental planning helps mitigate impacts on the surrounding area and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
8. Scheduling and Timeline
The construction site plan should also include a schedule outlining key milestones, delivery dates for materials, and phases of construction. By mapping out a timeline, the project team can stay on track, allocate resources efficiently, and avoid unnecessary delays. Milestones can help gauge progress and adjust plans in real time if the project falls behind.
9. Aerial Images
Aerial images offer a complete view of the site, with details such as terrain, surrounding infrastructure, and site topography. Advantages of aerial images for site plans include:
- Better Visualization: Aerial images give stakeholders a clearer understanding of the construction site layout, making it easier to plan logistics and identify potential obstacles early in the process.
- Accurate Progress Monitoring: Aerial views are particularly useful for monitoring large construction projects, as they allow for easy before-and-after comparisons at various stages of the project.
- Traffic Patterns: When developing a site plan for an urban construction project, an aerial image can be useful for identifying one-way streets, roadways that are too narrow for construction traffic, and the best routes to and from the site.
It’s important to note that satellite imagery is not the same as aerial photography. Satellite images are not as detailed as aerial images, and the resolution of aerial photographs is much higher.
The Best Way to Add Aerial Imagery to Construction Plans
EagleView gives construction businesses the power to create detailed plans in less time, with high-resolution aerial imagery that’s accurate down to the inch, and on-demand property reports. These features also support the sales process, shortening the time between the RFP and proposal delivery.
Whether you’re constructing a new roof, or building a skyscraper, EagleView can accelerate construction timelines. Ask us what we can do for your business.
