Site Feature Plan - (SFP)
What is a Site Feature Plan?
A Site Feature Plan is a detailed plan of a property or development area that captures both natural and man-made features on the land. It typically includes information such as approximate property outlines, existing structures, levels & contours, topographical features, vegetation, easements, service locations, and all other significant features that may impact the proposed construction or development.
Why is a Site Feature Plan necessary for residential construction?
A Site Feature Plan is essential for residential construction because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the site’s conditions before construction begins. It ensures that the construction is compliant with all relevant building regulations, and helps in making informed decisions about design, layout, and site development.
How does a Site Feature Plan help in planning and design?
By identifying the location of key features such as buildings, nearby structures, trees, land slope direction and drainage infrastructure, a Site Feature Plan allows building designers, architects and engineers to design the house or structure with a complete understanding of the site’s constraints. It helps avoid costly mistakes or delays later in the project by ensuring the design fits the terrain and existing conditions.
What information is typically included in a Site Feature Plan?
A typical Site Feature Plan includes:
Can I build on my land without a Site Feature Plan?
While technically possible, it’s not advisable to proceed without a Site Feature Plan. The survey is required to understand land conditions fully, avoid risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide accurate details for the planning and design process. Commencing construction without this critical information could lead to costly errors or potential legal issues.
How does a Site Feature Plan impact the cost of construction?
While a Site Feature Plan adds an upfront cost to a project, it can save money in the long run. By highlighting potential site issues (like steep land surface falls, irregular slopes or drainage problems), the survey allows for better planning, reducing unexpected costs or delays during construction. It can also help avoid costly design changes once construction is underway.
What happens if a Site Feature Plan is not conducted properly?
If a Site Feature Plan is not conducted accurately or thoroughly, it could result in incorrect site information being used in the planning, design and construction process. This can lead to issues such as non-compliance with regulations, structural problems, delays, and cost increases.
How often should I get a Site Feature Plan updated?
Site Feature Plans are usually completed at the start of a project. However, if there have been significant changes to the land (such as new structures, large trees removed, or changes in earthworks or topography), an updated plan may be necessary. Additionally, if your project spans several years, it’s a good idea to recheck the site’s features to ensure the data is still accurate.
Can a Site Feature Plan be used for other types of projects, not just residential construction?
Yes, Site Feature Plans are widely used for all types of construction, including commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. The survey is essential whenever there is a need to understand the topography, features, and existing conditions of the land to make informed decisions about planning and development.
Is a Site Feature Plan the same as a Contour Plan?
While both types of plans provide detailed site information, a Site Feature Plan includes broader information, such as the location of structures, services, and relevant features, while a Contour Plan focuses specifically on the land’s contours, levels, and elevations. Contour Plans are typically included as part of a Site Feature Plan.
A Site Feature Plan is a detailed plan of a property or development area that captures both natural and man-made features on the land. It typically includes information such as approximate property outlines, existing structures, levels & contours, topographical features, vegetation, easements, service locations, and all other significant features that may impact the proposed construction or development.
Why is a Site Feature Plan necessary for residential construction?
A Site Feature Plan is essential for residential construction because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the site’s conditions before construction begins. It ensures that the construction is compliant with all relevant building regulations, and helps in making informed decisions about design, layout, and site development.
How does a Site Feature Plan help in planning and design?
By identifying the location of key features such as buildings, nearby structures, trees, land slope direction and drainage infrastructure, a Site Feature Plan allows building designers, architects and engineers to design the house or structure with a complete understanding of the site’s constraints. It helps avoid costly mistakes or delays later in the project by ensuring the design fits the terrain and existing conditions.
What information is typically included in a Site Feature Plan?
A typical Site Feature Plan includes:
- Approximate property outlines
- Existing fences, pegs and stakes where applicable.
- Easements where applicable
- Spot levels and contours
- Earthworks features
- Existing structures (houses, sheds, carports, outbuildings, retaining walls and other infrastructure as required)
- Adjacent property features & information (houses, sheds, carports, outbuildings, retaining walls and other infrastructure as required)
- Natural features (trees, waterways, ridges & highpoints, low-lying areas)
- Service locations (sewer, stormwater, water, electricity, etc.)
- Driveways, paving, paths, and garden beds etc.
Can I build on my land without a Site Feature Plan?
While technically possible, it’s not advisable to proceed without a Site Feature Plan. The survey is required to understand land conditions fully, avoid risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide accurate details for the planning and design process. Commencing construction without this critical information could lead to costly errors or potential legal issues.
How does a Site Feature Plan impact the cost of construction?
While a Site Feature Plan adds an upfront cost to a project, it can save money in the long run. By highlighting potential site issues (like steep land surface falls, irregular slopes or drainage problems), the survey allows for better planning, reducing unexpected costs or delays during construction. It can also help avoid costly design changes once construction is underway.
What happens if a Site Feature Plan is not conducted properly?
If a Site Feature Plan is not conducted accurately or thoroughly, it could result in incorrect site information being used in the planning, design and construction process. This can lead to issues such as non-compliance with regulations, structural problems, delays, and cost increases.
How often should I get a Site Feature Plan updated?
Site Feature Plans are usually completed at the start of a project. However, if there have been significant changes to the land (such as new structures, large trees removed, or changes in earthworks or topography), an updated plan may be necessary. Additionally, if your project spans several years, it’s a good idea to recheck the site’s features to ensure the data is still accurate.
Can a Site Feature Plan be used for other types of projects, not just residential construction?
Yes, Site Feature Plans are widely used for all types of construction, including commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. The survey is essential whenever there is a need to understand the topography, features, and existing conditions of the land to make informed decisions about planning and development.
Is a Site Feature Plan the same as a Contour Plan?
While both types of plans provide detailed site information, a Site Feature Plan includes broader information, such as the location of structures, services, and relevant features, while a Contour Plan focuses specifically on the land’s contours, levels, and elevations. Contour Plans are typically included as part of a Site Feature Plan.