What is an AI site plan generator?

An AI site plan generator uses aerial imagery, property data, topography, and zoning rules to automatically create a scaled site plan for a residential property. InQI generates a professional site plan in seconds for design, feasibility, and client discussions.

How accurate is an AI-generated site plan?

AI-generated site plans are accurate enough for design, feasibility, and visualization, but they do not replace a licensed land survey when a stamped plan is required for permits or engineering.

What does InQI include in an AI-generated site plan?

InQI includes property boundaries, existing structures, driveways, contours, elevation, zoning setbacks, buildable envelopes, and editable layers for landscape, ADUs, utilities, and hardscapes.

Does an AI site plan replace a land survey?

No. AI site plans are ideal for feasibility, design, and early planning, but a licensed land survey is still needed for final permits, engineering, construction staking, and legal boundary verification.

How does InQI get zoning and setback data?

InQI uses public parcel data, curated zoning datasets, municipal code libraries, and InQuest (.IQ) code engines to determine setbacks, lot coverage, and buildable areas automatically.

Can I edit or modify the AI-generated site plan?

Yes. Every element of the InQI site plan is editable, movable, and annotatable. Users can adjust boundaries, structures, contours, labels, and layers before exporting.

Does InQI automatically detect existing structures?

Yes. InQI automatically identifies roofs, driveways, patios, decks, pools, and major hardscape elements using aerial imagery and computer vision.

Can I export my AI-generated site plan to CAD?

Yes. InQI exports AI-generated site plans to DWG, DXF, SVG, and PDF formats, making them easy to use in CAD workflows or share with clients and contractors.

ADU Site Plan: What You Need and How to Get One

May 20
4 min read

Every ADU permit application starts with a site plan — the scaled top-down drawing of your lot showing where the new unit will sit. Reviewers use it to confirm setbacks, lot coverage, parking, and utility connections, and the rules vary by jurisdiction. Here's what belongs on the drawing, what gets it sent back, and how to generate one from your address or APN in under a minute.

What an ADU site plan actually shows

An ADU site plan is a to-scale drawing of your parcel with the proposed accessory dwelling unit placed on it. At minimum, most counties expect:

- **Parcel boundary and dimensions**, with the lot area called out.

- **All existing structures** on the lot — primary residence, garage, sheds, pool, decks — with their footprints and dimensions.

- **The proposed ADU footprint**, including exterior dimensions and gross floor area.

- **Setback dimensions** from every property line and from the primary residence.

- **Driveways, walkways, and parking spaces** (existing and proposed).

- **Easements and rights-of-way** — utility, drainage, access — clearly labeled.

- **North arrow, scale bar, and address with Assessor's Parcel Number (APN).**

Some jurisdictions also want utility connection routes, grading notes, tree locations, and a lot coverage calculation table. Requirements vary — check with your local building department before submitting.

Why ADU site plans get sent back?

The most common revision triggers are missing or inconsistent information, not drawing quality.

- **Setbacks that don't match the drawing.** Text says 5 ft; the drawing scales to 3 ft 8 in. Dimension every setback explicitly.

- **No lot coverage calculation.** Even if you're well under the cap, show the math: existing + proposed ADU vs. maximum allowed.

- **Easements ignored.** Building over a recorded utility easement is one of the fastest ways to stop a permit.

- **Outdated parcel data.** If your lot lines don't match the county's records, the reviewer's first question is which one is wrong.

- **Missing APN.** Label the address and the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) — many counties index permits by APN, not street address.

How to get an ADU site plan in 2026

Four practical options, ranging from free-with-effort to surveyor-stamped:

1. **Draw it yourself.** Free, if your county accepts DIY plans for simple ADU projects. Expect a weekend of work and revisions if anything is off-scale.

2. **Hire an online drafter.** Roughly $89–$300, typically 2–5 business days. The drafter pulls public parcel data and produces a scaled PDF.

3. **Generate one with AI from your address or APN.** [InQI's AI Site Plan Generator](https://www.inqi.ai/generativesiteplan) builds a scaled, editable site plan in under 60 seconds — parcel lines, setbacks, existing structures, and aerial base imagery pulled from real GIS data. Drop in the proposed ADU, mark dimensions, export PDF or DXF.

4. **Commission a surveyor.** $500–$1,500+, several days to several weeks. Required when your jurisdiction asks for a stamped survey — sometimes the case on irregular lots or near easements.

For a full pricing breakdown, see [how much does a site plan cost in 2026](https://www.inqi.ai/post/how-much-does-a-site-plan-cost-in-2026).

How InQI builds an ADU site plan from an address or APN

Drop in any US address or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) on (https://www.inqi.ai/adu-site-plan). InQI pulls parcel boundaries, existing structures, aerial imagery, and topography from public GIS sources, then assembles a scaled drawing in the browser. Place the proposed ADU, adjust dimensions, and cross-check against the zoning context [Codes.IQ](https://www.inqi.ai/codes-iq) compiles for that parcel. Export PDF or DXF for your Project. See [pricing plans](https://www.inqi.ai/pricing-plans) for per-address and subscription options.

Overhead architectural site plan of a residential parcel with an existing single-family house and a proposed detached ADU in the rear yard. Clean scaled CAD linework. Parcel boundary in bold black, front and rear setback lines dashed in blue, side setbacks labeled with dimensions, proposed ADU footprint shaded in light teal with dimension callouts, existing house footprint in light gray, driveway and utility easement marked, north arrow and scale bar in the lower corner. Aerial satellite base layer faintly visible underneath. No people, no vehicles, professional architectural aesthetic, calm neutral palette with teal and navy accents. 16:9.

## FAQ

Do I need a site plan to permit an ADU?

In nearly every US jurisdiction, yes. A site plan is one of the standard documents in an ADU permit application, alongside floor plans and elevations. The exact required elements depend on your county or city. site plan for your permit application

### How much does an ADU site plan cost?

Anywhere from free (DIY) to $1,500+ (stamped surveyor). InQI generates one from your address or APN starting at $35. See the full breakdown in [how much does a site plan cost](https://www.inqi.ai/post/how-much-does-a-site-plan-cost-in-2026).

### What's the difference between an ADU site plan and a property survey?

A site plan shows what you're proposing to build and how it fits on the lot. A survey is a legal record of the lot's boundaries and existing conditions, prepared and stamped by a licensed surveyor. Some jurisdictions accept a site plan alone for ADU permits; others require both.

### Can I draw my ADU site plan myself?

Some jurisdictions accept hand-drawn or DIY plans for simple ADU projects, others don't. Check with your local building department first. If yours does, scale and dimensional accuracy are what reviewers will scrutinize.

### Does the site plan need to be drawn to scale?

Yes. Almost every building department requires a scaled drawing — common scales are 1" = 10' or 1" = 20'. InQI generates scaled plans by default with a labeled scale bar.

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Ready to generate one? [Sign up for free](https://www.inqi.ai

) and try it on your address or APN.

*Written by Ali Tehranchi, founder of InQI and licensed design-build contractor with 20+ years of AEC experience.*