When applying for a building permit, a site plan is almost invariably a required part of the plan. The site plan illustrates how the building is located on the plot, how traffic, planting areas and technical systems are arranged, and how the plan complies with planning regulations. In this expert article, we explain what a site plan includes, how much it costs to make it, whether it can be made yourself, how exceptional situations are taken into account, and how to easily order a site plan from the Visu24.fi service.
The article answers the following questions:
- What is a station image and what is it needed for?
- What information should be included in a station image?
- How much does a station photo cost?
- Can I make a station map myself?
- What does a good station image look like?
- What kind of requirements do municipalities have regarding the image of their city?
- What programs are used to make drive images?
- How is the station image related to the exemption?
- What questions do people have about the position?
- Why is it worth ordering a station map from Visu24?
1. Station image – What is a station image and what is it needed for?
Station drawing or station picture?
A site plan is a document used in the building permit process that shows the boundaries of the plot, the location of buildings and other outlines of the built environment on a scale. Although the term site plan is used in official texts, in everyday language site plan is an established synonym, and it refers to the same document. A site plan helps authorities assess the suitability of the construction in relation to the plan and provides an overall picture of the yard arrangements.
The cornerstone of the building permit process
In practice, a building permit cannot be obtained without an acceptable site plan. It is part of the master plans and must comply with precise zoning regulations, building regulations and municipal guidelines. The site plan also serves as a means of communication between the designer, the developer and the authorities.
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2. Content of the station image – What information should be included in the station image?
Mandatory elements in a station image
The site plan serves as a map for the authority, clearly showing the location of the construction on the plot in relation to its boundaries, plan and environment. Minimum requirements have been laid down for the content of the site plan, which may vary slightly from municipality to municipality, but in general the site plan must present:
- plot boundaries and dimensions
- location and external dimensions of buildings
- existing buildings and structures to be demolished
- elevations (heights of building corners)
- driveways, parking spaces and emergency routes
- north arrow
- connections to municipal utilities and stormwater management
- zoning markings and intended use of the plot
This information must be presented clearly, to scale and in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
Recommended additional markings
Although certain elements are mandatory, a well-prepared site plan should also include other information that supports planning and building permit processing:
- planting areas and landscaping
- outdoor lighting placement
- terraces, canopies and fences
- location of civil defense shelters and technical facilities
- special features of the surrounding area, such as trees or tall structures
These additional markings improve the understandability of the plan and can speed up the process of obtaining a permit.
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3. Station image price – How much does a station image cost?
What is the price of a station image?
The price of a station map varies depending on how extensive and detailed the drawing is required, what kind of initial information the client has, and how complete the plan is already. The following factors in particular affect the price:
- Plot size and diversity – larger and topographically challenging plots require more work
- Number and complexity of buildings – one building is faster than three buildings of different sizes and heights
- Quality of basic data – is a DWG map available or just a property ID?
- Additional requirements – are there any exceptions, zoning changes or detailed stormwater plans related to the site plan?
- Required review rounds – does the project include any corrections based on feedback from authorities?
At its simplest, a station image can cost around €350–500 starting from, but a typical delivery for a permit application for a detached house is placed €600–1200 price range.
Price examples for the most common station images
- Detached house, complete floor plan and clear layout: approx. €490
- Additional building or extension, existing house on a plot: approx. €650
- New building on a sloped plot + elevation modeling: approx. €890
- Terraced house or hall building, multiple structures and yard layout: approx. €1200–1500
It is always worth putting out a tender for a station image and checking what the delivery includes. For example, Visu24's delivery includes one round of repairs and a review of official guidelines by default.
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4. Station map yourself – Can you make a station map yourself?
The station image itself – what does the law say and what does practice require?
Many builders wonder whether it is possible to create a site plan themselves. The legislation does not categorically prohibit a private individual from creating a site plan themselves, but in reality most municipalities and building control authorities require a professional to create the site plan or a version approved by the chief designer. The site plan submitted for a building permit must meet certain technical and content requirements, without which the application will not proceed.
In practice, creating a position map requires:
- correct base map data (in .dwg or .dxf format)
- accurate scale design
- understanding of building regulations and zoning regulations
- possibly a professional electronic signature
In what situations can a station image itself suffice?
In exceptional circumstances, such as:
- in light structures (e.g. shed or terrace)
- when building according to the plan without exceptions
- the municipality allows a hand-drawn version (rare)
In these cases, the station map itself may be sufficient, as long as the scale, dimension lines, and all markings are clear and accurate.
Risks and impacts
- Rejection or delay of permit application
- Multiple rounds of repairs increase overall costs
- Lack of information causes inquiries from authorities
- Practical implementation may be impossible without scale accuracy
Therefore, especially in new buildings or expansion projects, it is recommended to order a site plan from a professional, so that the content and acceptability of the plan can be verified on the first attempt.
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5. Station image example – What does a good station image look like?
Visual structure and the importance of scale
A good site plan is clear, drawn to scale and contains all the necessary information for official processing. It is not just a technical document but a visual tool that shows the relationship of the construction to the plot boundaries, the environment and the plan.
The general scale for a station map is 1:500. In densely built-up areas or on small plots of land, a more precise scale of 1:200 can also be used. All elements – buildings, boundaries, roads, elevations and markings – are placed precisely according to the scale.
Elements of an approved position picture
The following features are typical of a well-written position picture:
- buildings and their dimensions clearly marked
- distances to borders indicated
- elevation information shown at the corners of the building
- Driveways, emergency routes and parking spaces visible
- formula markings (e.g. AO, AP, e=0.25) and uses displayed
- all entries in logical order, without overlaps
The station image example also helps illustrate how a technical document can be visually easy to understand.
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6. Site plan for building permit – Requirements in different municipalities
Building inspection site plan instructions vary by municipality.
A site plan is a mandatory part of a building permit application, but its content requirements can vary surprisingly widely between cities and municipalities. Some building authorities require precise elevations and an electronically signed drawing by the chief designer, while others may accept a simpler sketch with supplementary documents.
It is a good idea to start preparing a site plan for a building permit by checking your local municipality's guidelines. It is also recommended to contact the building inspectorate before commissioning the drawing to avoid unnecessary additional investigations or rounds of repairs.
General differences in the status of the city by municipality
- Helsinki: requires an electronic permit system (Lupapiste) and designer verification
- Tampere: emphasizes the height accuracy of the station image on sloping plots
- Turku: requires a detailed description of traffic arrangements and stormwater
- Smaller municipalities: may accept simpler representations and hand-drawn versions as long as the scale and markings are met
If the site plan does not meet the requirements of building control, it usually leads to the suspension of the permit process and its return for completion.
7. Drive image with tools – What programs are used to create drive images?
Station imaging programs used by professionals
A station layout is almost always created digitally using CAD software, which enables the creation of a drawing that is based on scale and meets official requirements. Design offices and architects commonly use the following programs to produce a station layout:
- AutoCAD – industry standard, widely supported and highly accurate
- ArchiCAD – a BIM-based program especially popular with architects
- Vectorworks – combines 2D and 3D design
- Revit – popular in building modeling (however, not the best for just a station image)
- Civil 3D – suitable for larger land use plans and infrastructure projects
These programs support DWG and DXF formats, which are required by building authorities for electronic permit processing.
Free station image programs for enthusiasts
For lighter needs or sketches, there are also free programs and web-based tools. These can be used to sketch, for example, a yard plan or the preliminary placement of a building on a plot.
- SketchUp Free (online version) – easy to use for sketching
- QCAD – open source 2D-CAD, also works for station drawing
- LibreCAD – a simple but functional DWG-based program
However, it should be noted that these are generally not sufficient for direct building permit use without the designer's approval.
Screenshot of the AutoCAD user interface with a station image open in the workspace
8. Position and exemption – Special situations and borderline cases
How is the station image related to the exemption?
A site plan is also a key document when a construction project does not directly meet the conditions of the local plan or building regulations. When applying for an exception permit (or a planning need solution), the role of the site plan is emphasized, as it helps the authorities assess the impacts of the planned construction on the environment, neighbors and land use.
In an exceptional permit situation, the position image must be given special precision and presented:
- distances to neighbors and plot boundaries
- location of construction in relation to planning regulations
- possible impacts on traffic, views and neighboring properties
- justification for the exception in visual form
Often, a situational picture is prepared for an exemption permit, which is also accompanied by a separate explanatory memorandum or statements.
What additional information is required for the position picture in exceptional situations?
- terrain model or contour data (if slope or special features)
- illustrative pictures of the neighborhood and views
- statements from neighbors or municipal authorities
- Visualization of traffic and stormwater solutions integrated into the station image
In such cases, it is always recommended to use an expert. Visu24 has prepared several site plans for exemption permits, and understands what information the building control authority needs at any given time.
9. Station image – Frequently asked questions
What do Finns want to know about the station map?
Discussion forums such as Suomi24 reveal that for many builders, site plans are a confusing but mandatory part of the building permit process. Below are some of the most common questions and answers that come up repeatedly.
Can I draw the station map myself?
Yes, but with restrictions. Most municipalities require that the site plan be professionally prepared and approved by the chief planner. Hand-drawn site plans are only rarely accepted, and even then for simple projects.
Does the station image have to be in DWG format?
Yes, if a building permit is applied for electronically (e.g. via a permit point), the site plan must usually be submitted in DWG or DXF format. This requires the use of CAD software, which limits the possibilities of doing it yourself.
Where can I get the map base I need for the station image?
A base map can be ordered from the municipal surveying department, often for a fee. In some localities, map information is available free of charge electronically. The base map must be up-to-date and approved by the authority.
What is the difference between a station plan and a station photo?
In practice, it is not significant. Site plan is the official and technical term, while site plan is a more common expression for the same document. Both mean the same thing: a scale drawing of a plot of land showing the layout of construction.
Is a site plan also needed for a courtyard building or terrace?
Yes, if a structure covered by a building permit is built on the plot. For example, a covered terrace or warehouse over 20 m² often requires a building permit, in which case a site plan must be included with the application.
FAQ-style diagram
10. Station image from Visu24 – Why choose us?
Fast delivery and knowledge of regulatory requirements
Visu24 offers site plans for construction projects of all sizes – whether it is a new construction of a detached house, an extension, a yard building or a special situation requiring an exemption. The site plan is delivered quickly and accurately, and it is designed directly according to the customer's building supervision requirements.
Our service includes:
- preparing a site plan in accordance with official requirements
- compatibility with electronic permit systems (e.g. Lupapiste)
- taking into account elevation data, routes, markings and planning requirements
- one free inspection round based on official feedback
Station image as part of the design package
Many customers utilize Visu24's service as part of a larger design package. A station image can be combined with, for example:
- to the floor plan
- facade pictures
- For 3D visualization
- sales materials
In this case, the entire visual and technical design remains in the hands of a single operator and proceeds cost-effectively.
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