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Site Layout:
Get a survey map of your property from the real estate agent or property
tax office. Blow it up to some known scale with a zoom copier. (see
How to Use a Copier as your Draftsman.) This will
be the start of your site plan. You can lay a piece of tracing paper over
this for your layout sketch.
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Choose the right building site before you buy your property (see
Finding the Right Site).
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What is the "ring of civilization" you will clear and maintain for your house
and yard? Draw this in (you can adjust it later).
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Where does the road or driveway come into the property? Draw a 12' wide road
to your cleared building site. Make it an interesting drive if you can.
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Show where power, water, sewer, septic, phone or any other services lines
are located and how they will run to the site.
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At the house end of your driveway you will need a place for people to park
and turn around. Cars need a space 8'-9' wide by 15'-17' long. To turn around
you need a flat area at least 25' x 35', circular turnarounds need more.
(Later you may want to check with the fire department and garbage service.
They may have requirements for turn arounds.) Make sure you have a parking
area for guests.
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This car parking area can easily be larger than the house itself . While
it should be generous, it does not need to be right at the house. You can
have a walking path to a more private house site or you can have a hedge,
trees or fence to keep the cars out of sight.
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Draw arrows on your plan to show the direction of views, neighbors and any
site negatives such as sources of bright lights, noise or smells.
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Show the bearing of true north and the four compass directions.
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Draw in the direction of strong winds and seasonal storms. If you have tall
trees find out which way they will fall.
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Show arrows for site slope and have them point downhill with a note such
as gentle or steep.
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