CAI-NJ May 2021

HOW TO READ Engineering Plans By Charles Witczak, PE, Witczak Engineering

robuart/iStock/Getty Images Plus

W hen an engineer presents a set of plans to the planning board, they are showing a check list of items, and that the work is being performed in accordance with the controlling construction code and other applicable rules. These plans show the path for how a project is going to be built so it meets all municipal requirements. By contrast, as-built plans show what has already been built and provide valuable information when undergoing a renovation project that requires permits. They are also useful after the project has been completed for the owners and tenants of the property to see what has been built and locate and identify important items and building system components. Always Refer to the Title Block and the Legend Every set of plans must have a title block, which is generally located on the bottom or right-hand side of the plan sheets. The title block identifies the project location, the name of the development, block and lot of the property and in what municipality this project is located. This is especially important because the rules with each municipality may include different zoning regulations and building codes.

The title block and legend also provide important infor- mation such as the name and location of the project, the project’s scale and what the symbols and abbreviations represent. The notes section is important as it includes additional information about special conditions and disclaimers that apply to the site. For example, they may include informa- tion about the elevation of a property and indicate flood zones or wetlands. What type of plan is it? There are two main types of plans: original construction plans for improvements to the site and the “as-built” plans. A construction plan is presented to a planning board for their approval, while an as-built plan confirms what has been constructed on a given property. There are typically two different color sets in plans. Items illustrated in light grey represent what is already built and existing, such as existing buildings and ground topographic contours. Darker, bolder lines and notes indicate what is to be built. CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 18

16

M A Y , 2 0 2 1