Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to provide elevation information necessary for floodplain management compliance, insurance premium determination, and supporting flood map amendment requests.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain a blank Elevation Certificate form from your local floodplain management office or download it online.
2. Fill out Section A with the property information, including the owner's name, address, and the legal description of the property.
3. Complete Section B to provide information about the building, including the purpose of the building (residential, commercial), the number of stories, and the type of construction.
4. In Section C, provide the location of the elevation measurement, specifying whether it is the highest adjacent grade, lowest adjacent grade, or a specific building feature.
5. Have a licensed surveyor or engineer take the necessary elevation measurements as outlined in the form.
6. Fill out Section D with the elevation data obtained from the surveyor, including Benchmarks and flood elevation references.
7. Review the completed form for accuracy and ensure all required sections are filled out properly.
8. Sign and date the certification at the bottom of the form, ensuring that the certifier has also signed and included their credentials.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to provide flood insurance for their buildings.
2. Local governments and municipalities that need to assess compliance with floodplain management regulations.
3. Insurance companies requiring elevation information to determine premiums and coverage under a flood insurance policy.
4. Real estate buyers and sellers to evaluate flood risk and liability when purchasing or selling property.

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 determine the elevation of a building or structure in relation to the base flood elevation. It is often required for flood insurance and helps property owners assess their flood risk.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas who are applying for flood insurance or who wish to demonstrate their compliance with local floodplain management regulations are typically required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, you must provide property details, the location of the structure, and specific elevation measurements. It often requires the assistance of a licensed surveyor or engineer to accurately provide elevations compared to established benchmarks.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide crucial information used by insurance companies and local authorities to assess flood risk, determine insurance premiums, and ensure compliance with floodplain management requirements.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate must report information such as the property's location, the elevation of the building's lowest floor, the base flood elevation, and any other elevations relevant to local floodplain management regulations.