Plot Plan and Location Verification Requirements for Building Permits

Building Code graphic

This page is intended to aid property owners and design professionals understand the requirements for plot plans and location verification for building permits.

WHEN IS A PLOT PLAN REQUIRED?

The Town of Superior requires stamped and signed plot plans (prepared by a licensed professional) for the following building permits:

  • New residence
  • New commercial building
  • Residential or commercial building additions within 2’ of a building setback
  • Other residential and and commercial additions involving exterior modifications also require scaled plot plans, though they do not necessarily need to be prepared by a licensed professional.
WHAT DOES MY PLOT PLAN NEED TO INCLUDE?

Drawings shall be based on engineer’s scale (1” = 10’, 20’, 30’, etc.) and are required to include the location, dimensions, and relevant information with respect to the follow:

  • Property address, lot, block, subdivision and filing number
  • Parcel boundaries and lot lines
  • Easements
  • Setbacks and building separations
  • Building envelope(s) and associated improvements, such as covered porches, balconies, and overhangs
  • Driveway improvements
  • Window wells and counterforts, including top of window well elevation
  • Water meter, and water and sewer connections
  • Square footage and lot coverage calculation
  • Building Height, as calculated based on Land Use Code definitions below
  • Grading and drainage, including
    • Existing and proposed grade elevations, flow arrows, and slope percentages
    • Foundation elevation
    • Top of slab for garages and walkouts
    • Back of curb or sidewalk elevation
WHAT ARE THE LOCATION VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS?
 Condition  Additional Requirements  Associated Inspection  Timing of Submittal
 Improvements within 2’ of any required minimum setback (decks exempted) A stamped and signed letter and/or plat document from a licensed surveyor that verifies forms were set in compliance with approved drawings/applicable minimum setback standards  Building foundation  Before foundations are poured
 Improvements within 2’ of the maximum height allowance (or any building with three or more stories). A stamped and signed letter and/or building elevations drawings from a surveyor that verifies the height of the structure complies with approved drawings/applicable maximum height allowances

  Building framing Prior to framing inspection approval
 All new construction or additions that trigger either of the two above survey documents) As-built plat that is stamped and signed by a surveyor
  Final Prior to final inspection
 
HOW SHOULD I CALCULATE AND REFLECT BUILDING HEIGHT IN MY PLANS?

As demonstrated in the example below, a plot plan is required to list elevation grades and reflect how average grade is calculated. Building Height is based on average of all four elevation grades as measured from mid-point of each building elevation. If grading around the foundation reaches or exceeds a 15% slope, elevations must be derived from 10 feet out from the base of foundation or from the property line, which ever is less, as illustrated on the left.

Average Grade Illustration graphic

As shown in the example below, building height must be reflected on building elevations, measured as peak height minus the average finished grade.

Building Height Example graphic

BUILDING ELEVATION REQUIREMENTS

Drawings shall be based on an architectural scale (1/8”, 1/4”, 1/2” = 1’, etc.)  and are required to include the following information:

  • Building elevations for all sides of the structure(s).
  • If zoning includes architectural requirements, identify exterior materials and a colors proposed for building elements.
  • Identify pitch of roof slopes.
  • Identify building height measured as peak height minus the average finished grade, as defined by Town Code.
  • Identify first floor grade and heights of all floors if structure is more than 1-story.
  • Identify locations of doors and windows and wall-mounted light fixtures.

Contact Information

Message Planning
Email Permitting and Inspections
Office: 100 Superior Plaza Way, Suite 200
Planning Phone: 720-738-8835
Building Phone: 303-381-2028
Permit Fees: 720-738-7326

Grading and Drainage

Demonstration of compliance with grading and drainage regulations is required for permit approval. Grading and drainage design must be reflected in the building plans. For specific guidance, refer to the Grading and Drainage Requirements webpage.

Pertinent Defintions

Height means a standard of measurement defining the vertical elevation of a structure from grade to the top or highest point of the structure or accessory appurtenance. Excepted appurtenances are chimneys, spires, utility ventilation pipes and lightning rods.

Grade means the average of the ground levels at the center of all exterior walls of a building. If earth is to be bermed against the foundation of the structure resulting in slopes that exceed 15%, then grade is determined from the finished site grade level a minimum distance of ten (10) feet from the foundation wall or from the property line if the property line is closer than ten (10) feet.

Setback means the horizontal distance between a lot line and the nearest extremity of any building or structure. In most cases, eaves, awnings and other architectural projections may project no more than thirty (30) inches into the setback space.

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