Sample plan review checklist

• Residential Sample Plan Review Checklist (PDF) for single-family residences and duplexes

Foundation plan 

1. Include overall foundation layout, type of foundation (crawl, slab) and pier location and sizes. 
2. Provide dimensions for all pier locations. 
3. Locate all foundation vents on crawl space plan. 
4. Provide foundation sections. 
5. In certain applications, queen’s brick does not meet certain load bearing requirements in curtain wall assemblies. Please indicate the type of brick being used in these circumstances.

Floor joist layout

Include size, type, span and direction of joists along with spacing.

Floor plan 

1. Include floor plan of each floor with dimensions and all rooms labeled. 
2. Provide window and door sizes along with header and structural information. 
3. Plans must be oriented as shown on the site plan. For example, if garage will be located on the left, the building plans must show the garage on the left.

Electrical plan

Provide location and type (gas or electric) of all outlets, GFCI outlets, lights, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, appliances, and water heater.

Energy Code compliance

South Carolina requires local jurisdictions to enforce the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. Accordingly, we will be looking for the following during plan review of residential projects:

1. Window U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC) 
2. R-values for all insulation
3. Duct insulation values
4. Mechanical calculations must be submitted with plans, specifically through:
   • Manual J
   • Manual S with SEER/EER ratings
   • Manual D 
5. A signed REScheck form showing energy code information is required for all new construction and additions. Complete the form at energycodes.gov and save it to upload with your building plans.

Guidance about the Energy Code

Wall framing details

Provide wall framing details, including cross section or “slice” that depicts the structure from the foundation through the roof and includes thickness of footings or slabs, size of studs, size of joists and rafters, bolting and anchoring, insulation and exterior finish.

Braced Wall Floor plan & details

Plans should show wall plan layout with shaded areas showing braced wall locations and should also indicate which type of braced wall is being used in those areas. Include a cross section or “slice” that depicts the structure from the foundation through to the top plate. Larger scale details shall be provided for the sill plate attachment, 1st and 2nd floor transition, and top plate attachment. 

Roof plan

Provide a bird’s eye view and in the case of a complex or multi-level roof, a roof framing plan.

The Zoning Ordinance (PDF) regulates many aspects of the architectural design of homes. You will need to provide information sufficient for us through elevations and notes or call-outs on plans for us to review the plans for compliance with zoning regulations.

Most architectural design standards can be found in Chapter 9—section 9.2 for single-family detached, and section 9.3 for duplexes.

In specific circumstances, the following also apply:

• Historic Design Guidelines (PDF) apply to homes within the City’s Historic Overlay Districts
• Homes built in the Senior Residential zoning district must be designed for accessibility in accordance with the Fair Housing Act Design Manual (PDF) to the maximum extent practical or to the extent required by law.

General Project Information

1. Provide address of property, tax map number, and lot number.
2. Provide the name, mailing address, email address, and phone number of the owner and/or developer and designer of the site plan.
3. Include a vicinity map showing location of proposed project.
4. Include a map scale using appropriate engineer’s scale, north arrow, and date.

Proposed Development Site

1. Show the total acreage.
2. Show zoning district classification, and if applicable, overlay zone(s).
3. Show the property dimensions, drawn to scale, with the proposed building footprint (bird’s eye view) including decks and porches.
4. Show the required building setback lines.
5. Show footprints of all structures (proposed and existing), and indicate whether they are primary or accessory. Make sure that the orientation of the dwelling matches that shown on the building plans.
6. List square footage of all structures (proposed and existing).
7. Show the side (left and right), rear, and front dimensions from the dwelling to each property line. 

Zoning Ordinance standards

Many regulations of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) affect lot layout. Key sections include:

1. Use-specific standards (Chapter 4.3.3)
2. Lot dimensions (Chapter 6.6): Lot dimensions vary by zoning district, but alley, parking, and other standards often require larger dimensions than are shown in the table—it is critical that you refer to the associated notes in the table before you configure a dwelling on a lot. 
3. Neighborhood design standards (Chapter 6.3): Includes information about parking requirements
4. Street design standards (Chapter 6.7 and Appendix 6-A): Includes information about features such as sidewalks and shared-use paths
5. Development standards (Chapter 8): Standards regarding riparian buffers, tree protection, open space, landscaping (land use buffers, street tree options, etc.), parking, lighting, and signs. 
6. Site and building design standards (Chapter 9.2 for detached and 9.3 for attached: Some of these standards affect layout, particularly the garage requirements. 
7. Construction standards (Chapter 7): Stormwater management, utility easements, and similar infrastructure standards. 
8. Airport Overlay District regulations (Chapter 3): These can impact where single-family homes can be located.

Stormwater

If the lot is in an area with a "Larger Common Plan," separately submit stormwater plans.

Otherwise, provide this information on the site plan. We will issue a grading permit along with the building permit.

1. Show erosion control measures such as silt fences.
2. Show swales.
3. Show sizes, lengths, and proposed locations of driveway culverts if applicable.
4. If residence is in a subdivision with an overall grading plan, show the grading for the subject lot from the overall grading plan for the subdivision.
5. Show proposed impervious surface calculation.
6. Show property line points of stormwater inflow and outflow.
7. Show drainage flow patterns. 
8. Show the areas designated for stormwater mitigation facilities.
9. Show easements for all public and/or private drainage systems of required width.
10. Add note: “Stormwater mitigation measures shall be implemented in accordance with City of Rock Hill Infrastructure requirements, for water quality and quantity, including temporary controls for the land disturbance phase and permanent measures for post-construction. 

Utilities

1. Show all easements and rights-of-way (existing or proposed) along with their width and use. As part of this, show a 10-foot easement along the right-of-way for electrical utilities. Keep sidewalks out of the easement to the maximum extent practical.
2. Show all underground or overhead utilities.
3. Show water and sewer water and sewer connection locations (cannot be located in driveways or under sidewalks).
4. Show proposed location of the electric meter (cannot be located on the rear of the dwelling—generally, the best location is on the side of the dwelling closest to the electric source).

Topography

1. Show topography by contours at vertical intervals of not more than five feet. All elevations shall refer to Mean Sea Level Datum (if available).
2. Show proposed major contour changes in areas where substantial cut and/or fill is to be done.

Riparian Buffers

1. Show flood hazard and floodway limits, per FEMA FIRM mapping (with 100-year flood elevations).
2. Depict any water resources subject to riparian buffer standards, delineated by type. Delineate the undisturbed buffer area and the transition area. Note that any lands that are adjacent to or within 25 feet of a riparian buffer that have natural slopes of 33% must be included in the riparian buffer.

Tree Retention/Open Space/Landscape

1. Show amount of required tree canopy to be retained.
2. Show limits of disturbance.
3. Show any heritage trees that are on site or are on an adjoining property that hangs over the lot. If any exist, show tree protection areas on the plan and the associated notes.
4. Show landscape for the individual lot

Driveways and sidewalks

1. Show location, dimensions, and material of existing and proposed driveways and mailbox. 
2. Show location, width, and material of existing sidewalk if already in place.
3. Show location, width, and material of any additional required sidewalks.

Fencing

Even though a separate permit application is required, please also identify the location, type, and height of all proposed fencing on the site plan with this application. Keep in mind:

1. Fences must be located outside of easement areas unless the utility provider grants an encroachment.
2. Fences must remain clear of all sight distance and triangle areas

Other

1. Submit written verification to serve from all non-city utility service providers if that was not already done as part of the preliminary plat application.
2. Show all standard details for water, sewer, and stormwater that pertain to residential structures.

1. I will ensure that all earthwork operations are performed in such a manner as to control erosion and prevent sedimentation from entering streams, adjacent properties, or being tracked onto roadways.
2. I will ensure that all erosion control structures will be inspected and maintained by the home builder/general contractor for stability and operation at the end of each workday.
3. I will ensure that a construction entrance is installed in accordance with state regulations to serve as a tire scrubber.
4. I will ensure that silt fence is installed along low spots of the property and along all lower adjacent properties.
5. I will ensure that the road is swept daily (not washed/hosed down) if sediment gets onto the road.
6. I will ensure that a swale is constructed to drain away from adjacent property or direct to designated stormwater feature/control.
7. I understand that building inspections will not be performed if erosion control measures are not in place.
8. I understand that erosion control inspections are not scheduled and may take place at any time. I certify that the City of Rock Hill may enter the property listed on the permit application at any time for the purpose of investigation and inspection of land disturbing activities at a frequency deemed necessary to carry out the duties prescribed by City regulations.
9. I will ensure that any additional permanent and/or temporary sediment and erosion control measures will be installed as determined necessary by the City to reduce erosion.
10. I understand that failure to install or maintain erosion control measures will result in a Stop Work Notice and/or fines and/or other remedies available according to the Rock Hill Zoning Ordinance (PDF). I understand that each day any violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.