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Drawing a site plan

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Source: Drawing a site plan ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:03:57 GMT

Get the Sample Site Plan

The Sample Site Plan shows a project proposed on a flat lot.

This sample site plan cannot be used in the following areas

  • Floodplains
  • Environmental overlay zones
  • River-related overlay zones

You must provide more information if your property is in these areas. Visit the section on complex sites.

Planning your project

Your site plan should show:

  • What exists on the site? Show existing structures, patios, driveways, walkways, and trees.

  • All proposed developments. What do you plan to build? Include new structures, patios, driveways, walkways, and trees.

  • Public right-of-way information. All site plans must include public right-of-way information, regardless of your project's scope.

What is a public right-of-way?

Public right-of-ways includes the street and elements between the street and property line. 

Public right-of-way elements

  • Curb
    • Streets without a curb. Get a survey or locate an existing survey marker to identify the property line location.
  • Planting strip (furnishing zone)
    • The area along the curb closest to the street. Typically "furnished" with with utility poles, street trees,
  • Sidewalk (pedestrian through zone)
    • The specific width of a sidewalk
  • Frontage zone
    • The area up against the property line and any public right-of-way. This includes alleys and pedestrian paths. Some properties have multiple frontages. The frontage zone is dedicated for public use.

Diagram 1. A private lot on a local street. The public right-of-way includes the frontage zone, sidewalk, planting strip, and curb.

Responsibilities for right-of-way maintenance

Who owns right-of-way facilities?

  • Most facilities in the right-of-way are owned by:
    • The City of Portland
    • Franchised utility providers (like internet, electric, or gas companies)

What are property owners responsible for?

  • Sidewalks and roadway:
    • You must maintain the sidewalk (pedestrian corridor).
    • If the city or state does not maintain the roadway next to your property, you must maintain it.
    • A separate permit is required for any work in the public right-of-way.
      • The type and scope of work will be determined as part of your building permit review.
  • Street trees
    • You must maintain the trees on the public right-of-way next to your property.

Projects that require right-of-way dedication

What might be required?

  • Dedicate property. Set aside part of your property for public right-of-way.
  • Street or sidewalk improvements. Build or upgrade the section in front of your property.
  • Plant street trees according to the Street Tree Planting Standards ↗.

When is this required?

For certain projects, these steps must be completed before a permit can be issued:

  • Dedicate property as required.
  • Agree to and complete street or sidewalk improvements.

All dedication and improvement requirements must be shown on your site plan.