Features to look for on Plans

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• A datum is a reference point of known or assumed height to which all other site levels will refer.
• Plan page number, client’s name, project address, scales used, name and reference numbers of draftsperson and the date the plans were drawn.
• Features that must be preserved e.g. trees, rocks, existing structures.
• Contours may also be imposed on a plan or may be noted separately. These show the fall in the land, are usually related to the datum, and usually spaced at 500mm horizontal intervals for a single building development, while still showing the north point.
• The term ‘Reduced level’ e.g. (RL 100.000) may also be seen. This may indicate finished floor, ceiling, eave, and roof apex in relation to the datum.
• Distance from the boundaries to the building’s outer walls or ‘footprint’ -mostly of interest for council and neighbours. Most councils have a code or specifications for the distances between the building and the side, front, and rear boundaries. The distance from the front boundary to the building is referred to as the front building line.
• Driveways, stormwater drainage, paths, easements and right of carriage (right of use) may also be shown.

A site plan is a document that precisely maps out the area of the building site to scale. Generally speaking there are two site plans provided:

• Existing site plan – the ‘before’ shot. This site plan shows the site in its current state.
• Proposed site plan – the ‘after’ shot. The proposed site plan shows what’s going to change, and how the site will look once construction is finished.