Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is intended to certify the elevation of a building in relation to flood zones and is used by property owners to obtain flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain a copy of the Elevation Certificate form, typically available from your local floodplain administrator or online.
2. Enter the property information, including the address, owner, and contact details.
3. Indicate the type of building (residential or commercial) and its construction details.
4. Provide the location of the lowest floor, typically the foundation, including the elevation above mean sea level.
5. Include information about any attached structures, such as garages or decks.
6. Fill in details about the flood zone designation and Map Panel number from FEMA flood maps.
7. Have a licensed surveyor or engineer complete the survey portion of the form to certify the elevations.
8. Review the completed Elevation Certificate for accuracy and sign it.
9. Submit the Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain management office and/or your insurance provider.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to carry flood insurance.
2. Real estate buyers who want to assess flood risk before purchasing a property.
3. Builders and developers constructing in flood zones to ensure compliance with regulations.
4. Insurance agents who need the certificate to determine premiums for flood insurance policies.

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 a building's elevation relative to the base flood elevation, which is crucial for flood insurance purposes.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Individuals looking to secure flood insurance in high-risk flood zones, as well as property owners who need to comply with local building codes, are usually required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, obtain the form from FEMA, gather necessary data about your property's elevation, and complete each section, including building location, flood zone, and elevation information before submitting it.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide official documentation of a building's elevation in relation to flood zones for insurance underwriting and to help determine flood insurance premiums.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate must report the property's location, flood zone designation, building elevations, and details on the construction and foundation type.