Floor plan
Also called floorplan, layout drawing
A scaled horizontal cut through the building showing room layout, dimensions, walls, doors, windows, and fixtures. The core drawing of almost every permit set.
When it applies
In the permitting lifecycle, floor plan applies during Preparation, Plan review, and Inspections. Documents commonly matter at more than one phase, and this one does.
- Setup: does not usually apply
- Preparation: applies at this phase
- Submission: does not usually apply
- Plan review: applies at this phase
- Permit issued: does not usually apply
- Inspections: applies at this phase
- Closeout: does not usually apply
A floor plan is a drawing of the building as if it were cut horizontally a few feet above the floor and viewed from above. It is the reference drawing for nearly every discipline that reviews a project.
Where it applies in the lifecycle
Drafted during Preparation, revised during Plan review as comments come back, and used again during Inspections, because the inspector in the field is checking what was built against this drawing. A floor plan that quietly stopped matching the building during construction is a problem discovered at rough-in.
What it shows
- Room names, dimensions, and overall building dimensions
- Wall locations, with an indication of which are load bearing
- Door and window locations, keyed to a schedule
- Plumbing fixtures and appliance locations
- Egress paths, window sizes where they serve as emergency escape, and smoke alarm locations
- For remodels, a clear distinction between existing, new, and demolished construction
Existing versus proposed
Remodel and addition permits normally require two versions: the building as it stands and the building as proposed. Reviewers use the pair to see exactly what is changing. Submitting only the proposed plan is a routine cause of a first-cycle comment.
Related terms
Rules vary by jurisdiction
This definition is general. How floor plan is handled in practice is set by the building department that permits your property. Find yours in our free directory.
Last reviewed September 4, 2026