Site Plan Review

A regulatory review process that evaluates the physical layout of a proposed development on a specific site, including building placement, parking, landscaping, access, and compatibility with surrounding properties.

What is Site Plan Review?

Site plan review is a regulatory process in which a planning department evaluates the physical layout and design of a proposed development to ensure it meets applicable development standards and is compatible with its surroundings. The review examines how the building is positioned on the site, how parking and circulation are organized, where landscaping is placed, how stormwater is managed, and how the development interfaces with adjacent properties and public streets.

What's Evaluated

Typical site plan review criteria include: compliance with setback, height, FAR, and lot coverage requirements; adequacy of parking and loading areas; vehicular and pedestrian circulation; landscaping and screening; lighting; signage; stormwater management; utility connections; trash enclosure locations; and general site design quality. Some jurisdictions also evaluate architectural design as part of site plan review.

Site Plan Review Process

The process typically involves submitting detailed site plans and supporting documents to the planning department. Staff reviews the plans against applicable standards and may issue comments requiring revisions. Depending on the jurisdiction and project type, site plan review may be handled administratively by staff or may require a public hearing before the planning commission. Review timelines range from a few weeks for minor projects to several months for complex developments.

Site Plan Review vs. Design Review

Some jurisdictions separate site plan review (focused on the site layout) from design review (focused on building architecture and aesthetics). In others, the two are combined into a single review process. Understanding the local review structure is important for determining the required application materials and processing timeline.