Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to determine the elevation of a building for flood insurance purposes and to certify that the information is accurate as per FEMA regulations.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the Elevation Certificate form from FEMA's website or your local floodplain management office.
2. Fill out the property information section, including the address, legal description, and property owner details.
3. Provide information about the building, including the construction type, number of floors, and the flood zone designation.
4. Measure the elevation of the lowest floor, including the basement, if applicable. Use a level and a tape measure for accuracy.
5. Record any additional structures on the property, such as garages or decks, and their elevations.
6. Have a licensed surveyor or engineer review and sign the form, confirming the accuracy of the measurements.
7. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your insurance agent or the local floodplain manager.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who need flood insurance.
2. Lenders for properties located in high-risk flood zones requiring documentation for mortgage approval.
3. Developers seeking to build in flood-prone areas to comply with local floodplain regulations.
4. Homeowners looking to determine their flood risk and possible elevation improvements.

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 a document used to verify a building's elevation in relation to the base flood elevation, primarily for flood insurance purposes.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

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

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, property owners or authorized surveyors should gather necessary elevation data, complete the provided sections of the form, and ensure all information is accurate and supported by appropriate documentation.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide information on the elevation of a building, which is critical for determining flood insurance premiums and compliance with floodplain management regulations.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information including the building's elevation relative to the base flood elevation, the location of the building, flood zone designation, and data on the property's lowest floor and adjacent grades.