Site Plan & Drainage Permit Guide for Georgia
Almost every building permit in Georgia requires a site plan showing grading, drainage, and stormwater management. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Site Plan?
A site plan is a scaled drawing showing:
- Property boundaries and dimensions
- Building footprint and location
- Setbacks (front, side, rear)
- Driveway and parking
- Existing and proposed grading (elevations)
- Drainage patterns and stormwater management
- Utility connections
- Erosion control measures
- Trees and landscaping (where required)
When a PE-Stamped Site Plan Is Required
- New construction — Residential and commercial
- Major additions — That change the building footprint
- Commercial developments — Always required
- Properties with drainage issues — Sloped lots, flood zones
- Disturbed area over 1 acre — Requires NPDES permit and erosion control plan
Drainage and Stormwater Requirements
Georgia requires that developments manage stormwater to prevent off-site impacts:
- Pre/post development matching — Post-development runoff can't exceed pre-development
- Detention/retention — May be required for larger developments
- Erosion control — Silt fences, inlet protection, vegetation
- Downspout routing — Must direct water away from foundations and property lines
Common Site Plan Issues
- Insufficient grading information — Contours at 1-foot or 2-foot intervals
- Missing drainage flow arrows — Show how water moves across the site
- No erosion control plan — Required for disturbed areas
- Setback violations — Building too close to property lines
- Missing utility easements — Underground and overhead utilities must be shown
Georgia-Specific Requirements
- Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act — Requires erosion control for land-disturbing activities
- Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District — 15-county area with stricter stormwater rules
- Local watershed protection ordinances — Vary by county
Getting Started
A properly prepared site plan speeds up permit approval and prevents drainage problems after construction.
Call (833) 205-7710 for site plan and drainage engineering.
Need Engineering for Your Project?
Speak with a licensed Georgia PE — fast response, no obligation.
(833) 205-7710