Get the free Elevation Certificate

The document serves as an official record for verifying building elevations in flood hazard zones, primarily for the purposes of flood insurance and compliance with local regulations.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the Elevation Certificate form from the appropriate authority or website.
2. Fill in the property information, including the address, owner, and contact details.
3. Provide information about the building, such as the type, use, and construction date.
4. Locate the flood zone determination and mark it on the form.
5. Measure the elevation of the lowest floor, including basements, and document it.
6. Obtain additional elevation measurements as required (such as the lowest adjacent grade).
7. Have a licensed land surveyor or engineer complete and sign the certification.
8. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to the appropriate authorities or insurance company.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who require flood insurance.
2. Builders and developers of new construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
3. Individuals seeking to elevate their properties to comply with local floodplain management regulations.
4. Homebuyers evaluating properties' flood-risk and insurance requirements.

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 verify the elevation of a building or structure in relation to the base flood elevation. It provides important data for determining flood insurance premiums and compliance with local floodplain management regulations.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Elevations Certificates are typically required by property owners who live in flood-prone areas, especially those who need to obtain flood insurance, or by lenders and insurance agents as part of the flood insurance application process.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, one must follow the specific instructions provided by FEMA, including gathering information on the property, such as its location, the building's elevation, and any relevant flood zone determinations, and then accurately completing each section of the form.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide information about a property's elevation relative to floodplain management and flood insurance requirements, which helps in determining flood risks and insurance premiums.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information such as the property's location, the lowest floor elevation, the base flood elevation, the elevation of any mechanical equipment, and any other relevant structural details necessary for flood risk assessment.