Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document serves as a certification of the building elevation information, necessary 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 your local floodplain management office or the FEMA website.
2. Enter the property information, including the site address, city, state, and ZIP code, in the designated sections.
3. Fill in the owner's name and contact information.
4. Provide the reference elevation datum used for the elevation measurement.
5. Fill out section A, which includes details about the building, its purpose, and its construction type.
6. Measure the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of the structure and record it in section B.
7. If applicable, fill out section C, detailing any flood openings and their measurements.
8. Complete section D by providing information about the property’s flood zones and elevation requirements.
9. Have a licensed surveyor or engineer certify and sign the Elevation Certificate in section E.
10. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain management office and keep a copy for your records.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to obtain flood insurance.
2. Homebuyers seeking to understand the flood risk associated with a property.
3. Local governments needing to assess compliance with floodplain management regulations.
4. Builders and contractors who are constructing new buildings in flood zones.
5. Insurance companies that require an Elevation Certificate to determine flood insurance rates.

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 form used to verify the elevation of a building in relation to the base flood elevation as required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas who are obtaining flood insurance or seeking to comply with community floodplain management regulations are required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, a licensed surveyor or engineer must measure the elevation of various building points and complete the form with details about the structure, its location, and flood zones.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide information needed to determine flood insurance premiums and to ensure compliance with local floodplain management regulations.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information such as the building's location, the predicted flood zone, the actual elevation of the lowest floor, and other relevant structural details.