Drawings: Site Plans, Floor Plans and Elevations

Click here to open a PDF version of this tip sheet.

For additional information, see Electronic File Standards Tip Sheet and refer to TacomaPermits.org.

Simple Site Plan

    • Scale (1”=20’ is typical) and north arrow
    • Address and/or parcel number
    • All parcel lines and corners in bold black
    • Distance between proposed and existing structures
    • Proposed building setbacks from property lines
  • Significant grade changes and known wetlands
  • Driveways, parking, or other paved or gravel areas
  • Additional information by request from plan reviewer

Simple Site Plan

Tacoma Permits Mapping

For a general idea of what your property layout looks like from an aerial photo, visit our Tacoma Permits Maps page at https://tacomapermits.org/projects/maps.

For assistance, contact Development Services at (253) 591-5030.

Floor Plan

  • Scale (1/4”=1’ is typical)
  • Window & door openings and dimensions
  • Distance from windows and doors to corners of structure
  • Existing and new floor area in square feet
  • Proposed use of each room
  • Garage area and dimensions in feet
  • Any additional information requested by the plan reviewer

Floor Plan

Building Elevations

  • Scale (1/4”=1’ is typical)
  • Show views from all of the sides affected in the project
  • Elevation (north, south, east, west)
  • Overall height of the structure
  • Roof orientation (parallel or perpendicular to the street)
  • Building materials (different type or texture)
  • Windows, doors, openings, dormers
  • Any additional information requested by the plan reviewer

Elevations

Typical Cross Section (Residential)

  • Scale (1/4”=1’ is typical)
  • Ridgeline and distance from grade to ridge
  • Trusses
  • Roof rafters
  • Ceiling Joists
  • Grade – show existing grade and new grade level if major change in grade level is proposed
  • Finished Floor
  • Crawl Access Area
  • Detail compliance with Energy Code for any habitable space
  • Any additional information requested by the plan reviewer

Cross Section

Foundation Details

Dimensions to include on a foundation drawing:

  • Foundation thickness
  • Footing width if applicable
  • Footing thickness If applicable
  • Depth below grade
  • Clearance between floor joists and the ground (minimum 18 inches)
  • Clearance between the beams and the ground (minimum 12 inches)
  • Clearance between siding and the ground (minimum 6 inches)

Floor Framing Plan

  • Scale (1/4”=1’ is typical)
  • Size, Type, and Spacing of Floor Joist
  • Framing Members
  • Shear Requirements
  • Basement Bearing Wall
  • Any additional information requested by the plan reviewer

Floor Framing

Roof Framing Plan

  • Scale (1/4”=1’ is typical)
  • Ridgeline
  • Trusses
  • Roof rafters
  • Any additional information requested by the plan reviewer

Roof Framing

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