Get the free Elevation Certificate

This form provides elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances and to determine the proper insurance premium rates.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the Elevation Certificate form from your local floodplain manager or FEMA's website.
2. Fill out Part A by providing the property owner's information and the location of the building.
3. In Part B, provide information about the property's zoning, flood zone designation, and previous flood claims, if any.
4. Complete Part C by indicating the building type (e.g., residential, commercial) and the number of floors.
5. Measure the elevation of the building's lowest floor (including the basement) in relation to the base flood elevation using a surveyor, if necessary.
6. Fill out Part D with the data from the elevation measurement.
7. Ensure that Part E is completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer, who will certify the accuracy of the information provided.
8. Review the entire form for completeness and accuracy.
9. Submit the Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain manager and retain a copy for your records.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to purchase flood insurance.
2. Lenders who need proof of a building’s elevation as part of the flood insurance policy requirements.
3. Real estate professionals during property transactions in flood zones to assess flood risk.
4. Government agencies for compliance with local 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 verify the elevation of a property in relation to flood plain management and insurance purposes.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners who live in flood-prone areas, particularly those with flood insurance or those applying for it, are required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, property owners must provide details about the building's location, the elevation of the property relative to flood zones, and any pertinent information regarding flood insurance requirements.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to determine a property's elevation in relation to the base flood elevation, which helps in assessing flood risks and determining insurance premiums.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report the property's location, the elevation of the lowest floor, the elevation of machinery and equipment, and any relevant flood zone determination.