A civil permit is required when proposing to install underground infrastructure. It is typically submitted in the form of a site plan drawing that clearly outlines what is being proposed. These drawings include details such as: existing and proposed underground infrastructure, above-ground equipment (e.g., grade-level boxes, pedestals, cabinets), construction notes and methodology, scope of work, key map and location references and relevant dimensions. The goal of the drawing is to demonstrate to authority having jurisdiction that the proposed installation complies with the requirements of the reviewing authority.

Please note, to understand your scope of work so you know exact area of basemap needs to be created. Three things are essential for preparing basemap. Firstly, you need property line data (parcel data), secondly,aerial background image that align with the parcel data and lastly, you must be able to identity above ground features. The list of elements to reflect in permit drawing can be found in the lesson link below.

After the basemap and utility inputs are completed, and the design files indicate the cable route (e.g., from Point A to Point B), we begin drafting the running line into the permit drawing. This process must comply with the applicable permit standards, which vary by city and are essential to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and approval by the local authority. Permit standards fall into two main categories: Conduit Clearance Requirements and Equipment Clearance Requirements.

Once the basemap is completed, the next step is to input underground utilities into the drawing. Having an accurate landbase is critical, as many utility drawings include similar reference features, such as property lines (the primary reference), curbs, sidewalks, and more. Below are the most common types of utilities to input: city infrastructure, gas, hydro etc.

Dimensions are a fundamental part of any permit drawing. They serve as the key reference points for municipal reviewers, construction crews, and inspectors to understand exactly where your proposed infrastructure is located in relation to existing features. A permit drawing without clear and accurate dimensions is incomplete—and in most cases, will be rejected or delayed during the review process.

Creating viewports in telecom engineering drawings—especially using AutoCAD—is a crucial skill for presenting detailed layouts of network infrastructure. A viewport is a window in a layout that displays a portion of your model space drawing. It allows engineers to show different views, scales, and details of telecom infrastructure like towers, cable routes, and equipment layouts. Viewports are essential for plotting and presenting engineering drawings professionally. Here's a step-by-step training guide to help you master viewport creation: