Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document certifies the elevation information of a property to determine flood insurance requirements.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain a blank Elevation Certificate form from FEMA or your local floodplain administrator.
2. Enter the property address at the top of the form.
3. Fill out Section A with the property owner's information.
4. In Section B, provide details about the building's construction and flood zone designation.
5. Measure the elevation of the lowest floor of the building, including the basement if applicable, and enter this measurement in Section C.
6. If there are any additional structures or features, provide their elevation details in the corresponding sections.
7. Have a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect complete Section D to certify the elevation information.
8. Sign and date the certificate and submit it to your local floodplain administrator.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who require flood insurance.
2. Individuals building or substantially renovating homes in flood zones.
3. Local governments for compliance with floodplain management ordinances.
4. Lenders and mortgage companies may require it for financing.
5. Insurance companies when determining flood insurance premiums.

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 confirm the elevation of a building in relation to the base flood elevation for flood insurance purposes.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas, especially those seeking flood insurance, are typically required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, the property owner or surveyor must provide information such as the building's location, elevation data, and flood zone designations, adhering to the guidelines provided by FEMA.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of the Elevation Certificate is to document the elevation of a building to determine its flood risk and eligibility for flood insurance.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must include details such as the building's geographic coordinates, the elevation of the bottom floor, and the elevation reference mark, along with hazard zone designations.