Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about site plans, the ordering process, and what to expect. Can't find what you're looking for? Give us a call.
Understanding Site Plans
What is a site plan?
A site plan is a scaled, overhead drawing of your property. It shows the boundaries of your land, the position and dimensions of all structures on the property (house, garage, sheds, etc.), driveways, hard surfaces, and landscaping. Council or a private building certifier uses it to assess your development application or planning permit, it gives them a clear picture of what currently exists on your site and, where applicable, what you're proposing to add or change.
How does it work?
We bring together the latest georeferenced aerial photography, boundary and services information to create a site plan with all the information required to submit to council or private building certifier for a planning permit or to just help with planning the next project.
The georeferenced imagery we utilise is typically accurate to +/- 15cm for distances up to 200m. this data is imported into our drafting software along with services information from 'Dial Before You Dig'
We then identify existing elements of the site to incorporate them into the plan. Once we have all the information required, we incorporate any proposed structures/extensions with information supplied by the customer. Alternatively, we can send the site plan for the customer to mark-up with proposed works for us to include.
When the plan is finalised, we send via email in PDF format (A3 standard) the plan will include a title block with the following:
- Property Address
- Proposed works description
- Drawing number
- Scale
- Revision
- Drawn date
- Sheet Size
- North Point
After receiving their plan, we continue to work with our customers to ensure their plan has everything required to suit their needs.
Do i need a Planning Permit?
Planning permits give permission to develop or use land in a particular way. You may require a planning permit for a new home, extension, renovation or an additional structure on the land. Your local council or private building certifier is responsible for issuing a planning permit. a planning permit is required before applying for a building permit. Some of the most common reasons people require a planning permit include:
- constructing or altering a building
- starting a new use on land (especially if it may create demand for car parking)
- subdividing land
- clearing or lopping native vegetation from land
- establishing a business (including working from home)
- advertising signage
- Altering a heritage property
A Site Plan is used to show your local council or private building certifier all the relevant information about your existing site, and the changes you are proposing. Regulations vary across Australia, we recommend you contact your local council or private building certifier for more information.
Why do i need a site plan?
Most councils require a site plan as part of any planning permit or development application, whether you're building a new structure, extending your home, adding a pool, installing a shed, or subdividing land. Council needs to understand the existing conditions of your property before they can assess your proposal. If you've been told by council that you need one, you've come to the right place.
Is a site plan the same as a survey?
No. A survey is a legal document produced by a licensed surveyor that precisely measures and records property boundaries and features. A site plan is a scaled drawing produced for planning and council submission purposes. For most planning permit applications, a site plan is all that's required, a full survey is typically only needed for subdivisions or boundary disputes. If you're unsure what your council requires, we're happy to advise.
How accurate are your plans?
We use high-resolution aerial surveys as our primary source, combined with any measurements or details you provide. This gives us a high degree of accuracy for most planning applications. If you have existing plans, a Certificate of Title, or can provide any measurements, sharing these helps us produce an even more precise result. Our plans are accepted by councils across Australia.
Ordering & Process
What do you need from me to get started?
Your property address is the essential starting point, we use it to source high-resolution aerial surveys of your site. Beyond that, anything you can provide helps: a sketch of the property, photos, existing plans, a Certificate of Title, or any measurements you have. The more detail you share, the more accurate your plan will be. That said, for many properties the aerial surveys alone is sufficient for a Basic or Detailed plan.
Do you need to visit my property?
No site visit is required. We work entirely from high-resolution aerial surveys and the information you provide. This is how we're able to service properties across all of Australia, from inner-city Melbourne to remote regional Queensland, without the cost and delay of sending someone to your site.
Which plan do I need?
For most residential planning permit and council applications, the Basic or Detailed plan is sufficient. The Basic plan covers the fundamentals, structures, boundaries, hard surfaces, and dimensions. The Detailed plan adds full landscaping detail. The Technical plan is required when council has specifically requested underground services data (Dial Before You Dig) or neighbouring building outlines. If you're unsure, call or email us — we'll advise you at no charge.
Delivery & Revisions
How long does it take?
We aim to deliver all plans within 24 hours of receiving your order and property details. In practice, most plans are delivered well within this timeframe. If you have an urgent deadline, call us directly and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Note: Plans can be delayed if we are waiting on info from the client.
Technical plans can also take longer depending on DBYD response times.
What format is the plan deliveryed in?
Plans are delivered by email in PDF format, which is what the vast majority of councils require for online submissions. If you need your plan in a different format, or require a printed hard copy, let us know when you order and we'll arrange it.
The Cad file in .dwg format can also be purchased at time of order.
What if I need changes to my plan?
Revisions are included with every plan. If your council requests amendments, or if you notice something that needs adjusting after you receive your plan, simply let us know and we'll update it at no extra charge. We want your application to succeed, so all plans come with 2 rounds of revisions.
Pricing & Plans
Why is there an extra charge for sites over 1,000m?
Larger properties take more time to draw accurately, there's simply more to document. The additional $55 (+GST) for sites over 1,000m² reflects the extra drafting time involved. If you're unsure of your block size, your Certificate of Title will list the area, or you can ask us and we'll check.
For properties over 1000m² we generally need to create two plans, one zoomed out to show the total boundary, and another zoomed in to show the the proposed work in more detail
Are prices inclusive of GST?
All prices listed are exclusive of GST. GST will be added at checkout. A tax invoice is provided with every order.
Can I get a quote for something not listed?
Yes. If your project has specific requirements that don't fit neatly into our standard plans, for example, a large rural property, a commercial site, elevations and floor plans or a complex multi-lot development, get in touch and we'll provide a custom quote.
Council & Submissions
Will my plan be accepted by council?
Our plans are accepted by councils across all states and territories in Australia. We produce plans to a professional standard that meets the requirements of Australian planning authorities. If council requests any amendments, we'll make them at no extra charge.
Do you service my area?
Yes. We service every council and every state and territory across Australia, from metropolitan areas to remote regional properties. Because we work from aerial surveys rather than site visits, location is no barrier. If you have an Australian address, we can draw your plan.
Note: Some rural and more remote areas can be limited, if unsure, contact us and we can check for available data.
Can you include proposed works on the plan?
Yes. Proposed structures and extensions can be added to any plan as an optional extra. When you place your order, let us know what you're proposing, a new shed, pool, or other structure, and we'll include it on the plan clearly marked as proposed works. This is typically required for development applications where you're seeking approval for new construction.
Transparent Pricing
Choose the right plan for your project
Not sure which plan you need? See our FAQ or give us a call, we're happy to advise.
Most Popular for Permits
Basic
The fundamentals for most council applications.
From
$155
+GST
Additional $55 for sites over 1,000m²
For Greater Detail
Detailed
Everything in Basic, plus full landscaping detail.
From
$195
+GST
Additional $55 for sites over 1,000m²
For Complex Applications
Technical
Full detail including underground services data.
From
$255
+GST
Additional $55 for sites over 1,000m²
Ready to Get Started?
Your council-ready plan, delivered tomorrow.
Order before 3pm and receive your plan within 24 hours. No site visit required.