[DB]

Generally the site plan is done based on what some map on file with the county shows the legal lot boundaries are along with any legal easements. They're based on fixed measurements and markers that document what is what.

If the official survey map doesn't match where the actual easements/towers/wires are then there's big problems. And the problem may not be obvious until after something actually gets built. There's a number of people and steps required between wanting to build a house and getting a permit to do so. Generally it isn't the person that's paying to have his house built problem to know all the codes and setback requirements. That's the city's/county's problem along with the civil engineer that created the site plan.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Generally it isn't the person that's paying to have his house built problem to know all the codes and setback requirements.

I've "pulled a building permit" in Massachusetts; most towns follow pretty much the same template. The plot plan shows utility easements, fire hydrants, leeching fields, etc. If there's any doubt about the building meeting set backs you need to have a licensed surveyor perform a survey to ensure that the building does not infringe before a permit is issued. The building inspector may have been negligent, the plot plan may have been defective. It sounds more like the prior, since the power company warned him not to build. During a visual inspection the power company must have noticed his infringement. The guy's just a dope.