Get the free Elevation Certificate

The Elevation Certificate is used to provide information necessary for the federal flood insurance program and to determine the appropriate insurance rates for properties in flood zones.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the Elevation Certificate form from your local floodplain administrator or online.
2. Fill out section A with the property owner's information, including the property address and contact details.
3. In section B, provide the information about the building, including its purpose and whether it is a residential or commercial structure.
4. Section C requires you to indicate the elevation datum used and the location of the building site.
5. Measure the building's lowest floor elevation and document it in section D, including any attached structures.
6. In section E, provide details about flood zone determination and indicate if the structure is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
7. Section F is for the surveyor or engineer to sign and provide their credentials, affirming the accuracy of the measurements.
8. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and submit the certificate to your local floodplain authority for review.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Homeowners in flood-prone areas who need to obtain flood insurance.
2. Builders and developers seeking to demonstrate compliance with local floodplain management regulations.
3. Property owners looking to appeal their flood zone designation with FEMA.
4. Lenders and mortgage companies may also require an Elevation Certificate when financing properties in flood zones.

People Also Ask about

Will an elevation certificate lower my flood insurance?

If property owners provide an EC with more detailed FFH and elevation information, the flood insurance rating engine may return a lower annual premium. FEMA's system compares the original elevation data with the updated information to deliver a more property-specific and equitable rate for the policyholder.

How do I get a free elevation certificate?

How do I get an elevation certificate? Start by contacting your local floodplain manager. They often work for your city's or county's building, permitting, engineering or land use department. Ask them if there is an elevation certificate on file for your property.

What is included in an elevation certificate?

The EC lists a building's location, lowest point of elevation, flood zone, and other characteristics. Under NFIP's pricing approach, an EC is no longer required to purchase coverage.

What is a BFE certificate?

Base flood elevation (BFE) is a value determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that helps identify the flood risk in a certain area. By extension, it also determines the risk a particular structure has of flooding if the water level rises.

Will an elevation certificate lower my flood insurance?

If property owners provide an EC with more detailed FFH and elevation information, the flood insurance rating engine may return a lower annual premium. FEMA's system compares the original elevation data with the updated information to deliver a more property-specific and equitable rate for the policyholder.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate is a document used to determine the elevation of a building or structure relative to the base flood elevation. It is often required for flood insurance purposes.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas, especially those obtaining flood insurance or in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), are typically required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, one must provide specific details about the property, including the building's location, its elevation relative to the floodplain, and information about the flood zone it is located in. It is advisable to have a licensed surveyor complete the certificate.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide information on the elevation of a building in relation to flood risks, helping to determine flood insurance rates and compliance with local floodplain management regulations.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information such as the property's address, surveyor's details, building type, flood zone designation, base flood elevation, and the building's actual elevation, among other relevant data.