Unit 1 - Site preparation and site plans

Sep 11, 2024

4 min read

156

Overview

Before a building may be constructed on a proposed lot the site must be prepared. The site preparation is a consideration even in the planning stages by the drafter. Site plans are drawn to plan how the building and other components on the site will be laid out and built. In this unit you will learn about basic site preparation and how to prepare working site plans.

Learning objectives

After you have completed this unit, you will be able to:

Discuss the importance of site work;
Discuss site clearance practices;
State important factors to consider for preparing site plans;
Identify symbols on a site plan and;
Prepare a site plan

Section 1 - Site work

Site work is the exterior work on a building under construction or before a building is constructed, such as earthwork, landscaping, paving, and utility services. It includes clearance practices such as demolishing, Salvaging, cutting, burning, earth moving and disposing. Site work is done to allow for the construction to begin or improve efficiency and convenience in the building process.

Site clearance practices

Demolition - The tearing or pulling down of a building or parts of a building.
Salvaging – The retaining of parts of existing buildings, trees for landscaping purposes and bathroom and toiled fixtures
Cutting – The cutting down of trees, bush or shrubs which are in the way.
Burning – The burning of trees brush and shrubs cut at the site.
Earth moving and depositing – The pushing of natural soil or debris from the surface of the site and set aside for future backfilling, landscaping and gardening purposes.

Section 2 - Site layout

The layout of a site is carefully determined and designed based on a few factors. These factors include:

Slope – The incline of a plot of land. Slopes will affect drainage, excavation, foundation type, and many other factors.
Layout of the land – The shape and demographic of the proposed plot. This must be carefully considered in order to efficiently use the plot of land.
Drainage – how water will travel across the plot of land. This is naturally determined by slope, soil type and topography but plans must be made to control water to accommodate the construction.
Sewer disposal – Sewer or septic systems. Some areas may have central sewage systems and others may require localized systems. The space required and the orientation of the building and the features of the lot and neighboring infrastructure will affect where localized sewage systems are placed.
Fencing – Existing or required fencing. Fencing secures the site, prevents unauthorized access, and ensures safety by marking the construction area. It must comply with local regulations regarding type, height, and placement. Additionally, fencing can provide privacy and reduce distractions.
Locating boundaries – Carefully mapping measuring and mapping out the boundaries. Accurately locating boundaries ensures legal compliance, maximizes space use, and optimizes layout. Clear boundaries help coordinate with neighbors and prevent encroachments, allowing for precise planning and design.
Building regulations for site layout – these vary on the location of the plot. These regulations are set by the government of the country.

Section 3 - Symbols on site plans

North Arrows

Benchmarks

Trees

Shrubs

Property Corners

Cultivated Area

Gravel

Rocks

Property Line

Fence

Paved Road

Unpaved Road

Site Plan Example

How to draw a site plan

Determine the Scale

Decide on a scale for your site plan (e.g., 1 mm = 100mm). This will help you represent the actual dimensions accurately on paper.

Draw the Property Lines

Start by outlining the boundaries of your property. Apply all lengths and angles accurately. Label each boundary with its corresponding length. Indicate all property corners.

Add Buildings and Structures

Draw the existing and proposed buildings and structures within the property lines. Indicate their dimensions and distances from the property lines. Make sure to include all permanent structures such as sheds, garages, and fences.

Neighboring Land Use

Indicate the use of neighboring land and buildings. Note whether they are residential, commercial, or other types. This helps in understanding the context of your site within the surrounding area.

Utility Service Connections

Mark the location of water, electricity and other utility service connections. These may include wells or water district service points. Label these clearly on the site plan.

Septic Tanks and Sewer Lines

Show the locations of septic tanks, sewer lines, and discharge points. If these are underground, use dashed lines to differentiate them from above-ground features.

Driveway and Nearest Road

Draw the driveway and the nearest road. Apply accurate width and length for the driveway and indicate the distance to the nearest road.

Natural Features and Topography

Include noteworthy natural features such as slopes, cut banks, streams, rivers, and floodplains. Use contour lines to represent changes in elevation and indicate any significant slopes. Show the locations of Trees, shrubs, cultivated areas and other relevant natural features.

Include Symbols

Place essential symbols such as a north arrow to indicate orientation. Other symbols might include utility poles, and benches.

Assignment 1

Figure 1 on page 9 shows an incomplete site plan for the proposed site for a residential building.

Draw the site plan to show the proposed building on the site given in Figure 1 below. The site is located near the E.O.Leblanc Highway in Jimmit. Apply the appropriate set backs to the building. The completed site plan is to be drawn to a scale of 1:200 and must include: