Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to provide elevation information for buildings in flood-prone areas for flood insurance purposes under the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain a copy of the Elevation Certificate form from the FEMA website or your local building department.
2. Start by entering the property information at the top of the form, including the property's location and legal description.
3. Provide information about the building, such as the type of construction and the number of floors.
4. Fill in the elevation data, which includes the elevation of the lowest floor, the elevation of the next higher floor, and other relevant elevation points.
5. If applicable, include information about any enclosed areas beneath the building, such as crawl spaces or basements.
6. Have a licensed surveyor or engineer complete and sign the certification section of the form.
7. Review the completed Elevation Certificate for accuracy before submitting it to your local floodplain management office or insurance company.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Homeowners in flood-prone areas who need flood insurance.
2. Property developers who are constructing buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
3. Real estate agents and buyers needing elevation information during property transactions.
4. Communities and municipalities for managing floodplain regulations and compliance.

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 certify the elevation of a property, primarily for the purpose of determining flood insurance rates and compliance with local floodplain management ordinances.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate must be filed by property owners in flood-prone areas who are seeking flood insurance, and it is often required by lenders for mortgage purposes in these regions.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, the property owner or surveyor must provide information about the property, including its location, flood zone, base flood elevation, and the actual elevation of the structure, complete with measurements and relevant signature blocks.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to document the elevation of a building in relation to the base flood elevation, which helps determine flood insurance premiums, assess compliance with local floodplain regulations, and support community planning efforts.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The information that must be reported on an Elevation Certificate includes the property's address, the elevation of the building's lowest floor, the base flood elevation, flood zone designation, and other pertinent details, including surveyor certifications.