Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document certifies the elevation of a building in relation to the base flood elevation for insurance purposes under the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the form from FEMA or your local floodplain manager.
2. Identify the property location including address and legal description.
3. Fill out the property owner's information including name and contact details.
4. Indicate the type of building and its use (residential, commercial, etc.).
5. Fill out the lowest adjacent grade (LAG) and highest adjacent grade (HAG) measurements.
6. Provide information about the building's elevations including the top of the foundation and the elevation of the lowest floor.
7. Have a licensed surveyor or engineer verify the information by completing the required sections.
8. Review the certificate for accuracy before submission.
9. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain management office or insurance company.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas.
2. Homeowners looking to purchase flood insurance.
3. Individuals applying for loans or grants related to flood risk.
4. Builders and developers of new constructions in flood zones.
5. Real estate agents facilitating property transactions in designated flood zones.

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 certify the elevation of a property in relation to the base flood elevation as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Elevations Certificates are required to be filed by property owners seeking flood insurance, particularly if their property is located in a special flood hazard area (SFHA). It may also be needed by lenders when evaluating properties in flood-prone zones.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, one must complete the form provided by FEMA with accurate measurements of the building's elevation in relation to the base flood elevation. This usually involves hiring a licensed surveyor or engineer.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to determine whether a property meets the National Flood Insurance Program regulations, establish flood insurance rates, and assist local officials in floodplain management.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must include information such as the property's building elevation, the lowest adjacent grade, the highest adjacent grade, and the base flood elevation, among other details relevant to the structure and its flood risk.