Free Printable Guide + Blank Template

How to Draw a Driveway Permit Site Sketch

A hand-drawn sketch is accepted at virtually every permit office. This guide shows exactly what to include — and the blank template below is ready to print and fill in.

Pre-App Worksheet → Full Checklist →

A site sketch is required on virtually every driveway permit application. The good news: hand-drawn is always acceptable. You don't need CAD software or a surveyor's drawing. You need a clear, dimensioned diagram that shows the permit reviewer where your driveway is going and why it's safe. This guide shows you exactly what to include.

What a Good Site Sketch Looks Like

Here is an example of what permit offices expect — not a professional drawing, just a clear hand-drawn diagram with key measurements labeled.

MAIN STREET (City Street) ← Road centerline ROW line Sidewalk (public ROW) HOUSE GARAGE Existing driveway PROPOSED DRIVEWAY APRON (ROW) 14 ft wide 190 ft from west line 170 ft from east line Lot frontage: 440 ft ← 230 ft sight left 280 ft sight right → N Property line (320 ft deep) Not to scale — measurements shown LEGEND Proposed driveway Existing driveway ROW boundary Sight lines

The 8 Things Every Site Sketch Must Show

1. The road

Label the road name and type (city street, county road, etc.). Show it along the top or side of the sketch.

2. Your lot outline

Draw the lot boundary with all four sides. Label lot frontage and depth dimensions.

3. Your house and garage

Show existing structures so the reviewer understands the context. Doesn't need to be exact — just show general location.

4. Proposed driveway location

Draw the proposed driveway clearly — shade it or mark it "PROPOSED." Show both the apron and the private portion.

5. Driveway width

Label the width of the apron where it meets the road. This is what the permit office is evaluating against local maximums.

6. Setback distances

Show distance from each side property line to the edge of the proposed driveway.

7. Sight-line distances

For county roads and state highways: show how far you can see in each direction from the center of the proposed driveway opening. Measure standing at the road edge.

8. North arrow

A simple N arrow helps the reviewer orient the sketch. Also note the road direction (e.g., "Oak Street runs east-west").

What You Don't Need

Site sketches for residential driveway permits do not need to be: to scale, computer-drawn, prepared by a surveyor, or stamped by an engineer. A legible hand-drawn sketch on plain paper with measurements clearly labeled is standard and accepted. The only exception: state DOT permits (TxDOT, Caltrans, PennDOT, FDOT) may request a more formal site plan for complex projects or properties with sight-line challenges.

Blank Sketch Template — Print and Fill In

Print this page and use the blank template below for your sketch. Fill in the measurement boxes before drawing so you know what numbers to label.

Residential Driveway Permit — Site Sketch

DrivewayClearance.pages.dev · Print and complete by hand
ROAD NAME: _____________________________ (label road type) ← road centerline ROW → lot frontage: _________ ft depth: ______ ft N Draw your house, garage, and proposed driveway here Label all measurements — driveway width, setback distances, sight lines Mark proposed driveway clearly (shade or label "PROPOSED")

Key Measurements to Label on Sketch

DrivewayClearance.pages.dev · Informational use only · Not an official government form · Verify requirements with your local permitting authority

Tip: Take photos of the road frontage from both directions before drawing your sketch. These photos help you estimate sight-line distances and document existing conditions. Bring the photos to your permit office visit or pre-application meeting — inspectors appreciate having visual context.

Related tools: Pre-Application Worksheet · Permit Preparation Checklist · How to Apply Guide

Disclaimer: Site sketch requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some permit offices have specific formats or minimum information requirements. Always confirm with your local permitting authority what they need in the site sketch before submitting.