What essential feature must all site plans include?

A site plan serves as a crucial representation of a specific area where construction or development activities are proposed. One of the essential features that must be included in all site plans is a North arrow and point of beginning.

The North arrow indicates the orientation of the site relative to the cardinal directions. This is vital for understanding the layout, as it helps readers to visualize the positioning of structures, access points, and other critical features in relation to the surrounding environment. Knowing the direction of North is particularly important in terms of planning, as it affects sunlight, wind patterns, and drainage.

The point of beginning, often denoted with a specific marker, establishes a starting point for measurements and property lines. It ensures that all elements of the site plan are accurately referenced back to this origin, which is essential for both construction and legal purposes.

While elements such as a legend for symbols, a scale indicator, and elevation markers are also important for various reasons, the North arrow and point of beginning are foundational components that provide context and orientation, making it clear how the site is situated in the broader geographic area. Without these features, interpreting the site plan accurately would be significantly more challenging.