Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document provides detailed instructions on how to complete an Elevation Certificate necessary for flood insurance purposes, outlining requirements for surveyors, engineers, and property owners.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the Elevation Certificate form from your local government or the FEMA website.
2. Fill out Section A: Property Information, including the property's address and legal description.
3. Complete Section B: Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Information, providing details about the property's flood zone designation.
4. In Section C, indicate the use of the building (residential, commercial, etc.) and complete other relevant information.
5. Section D requires you to fill out the elevation information. Measure and record the building's lowest floor elevation.
6. If applicable, complete Section E: For Buildings with Multiple Floors, measuring each floor's elevation.
7. Section F is for the surveyor or professional engineer's certification. This must be completed and signed by a qualified professional.
8. Review the entire form for accuracy and ensure all sections are completed.
9. Submit the Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain administrator or insurance company.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to obtain flood insurance.
2. Homebuyers looking to understand their property's flood risk.
3. Insurance companies assessing flood insurance premiums.
4. Local governments for compliance with floodplain management regulations.

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.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate is an official document used to provide elevation information about a property, specifically in relation to floodplain management and insurance.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas, especially those seeking flood insurance or compliance with local floodplain management regulations, are required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, property owners or certified professionals should accurately measure the building's elevation relative to the base flood elevation and provide detailed information including building characteristics and flood zone data.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to determine the proper flood insurance rates, ensure compliance with floodplain management regulations, and provide data for local planning and development.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information such as the property's location, building type, elevation of the lowest floor, Base Flood Elevation, and whether any coastal barriers impact the property.