Direct answer
What does Site plan mean?
A drawing and supporting materials showing the layout and design of a proposed development or use.
Exam cue: Site plan review focuses on arrangement, access, parking, drainage, landscaping and similar site details allowed by local law.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
A planning board reviews how a retail building, parking lot and driveway fit on the parcel.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Site plan review does not divide land into new lots.
Related land use terms
Area variancePermission to deviate from a dimensional or physical zoning requirement.Building codeA set of government standards for construction, alteration, occupancy and building safety.Certificate of occupancyAn official document confirming that a building or space may be occupied for the approved use under applicable code and local requirements.Eminent domainThe government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation as required by law.Nonconforming useA land use that lawfully existed before a zoning change but does not comply with the new zoning rule.Police powerThe government's authority to regulate for public health, safety, morals and general welfare.
Sources used2 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
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