Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to collect elevation information for buildings in flood-prone areas as part of 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 from your local floodplain management office or download it from the FEMA website.
2. Fill in the property information section, including the owner's name, property address, and the date of the survey.
3. Provide details about the building, such as its purpose (residential, commercial, etc.) and the type of foundation.
4. Complete the elevation section by measuring the elevation of the building's lowest floor relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
5. If applicable, include information about any crawlspaces or basements.
6. Record measurements using proper units (feet or meters) and make notes of any unusual circumstances affecting the elevation.
7. Have a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect certify the Elevation Certificate by signing and dating the form.
8. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain management office or insurance provider.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to obtain flood insurance.
2. Developers planning to build in a flood zone who need to meet local regulatory requirements.
3. Homeowners seeking to lower their flood insurance premiums by providing accurate elevation information.
4. Real estate professionals facilitating transactions in flood-prone areas.

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 the elevation of a building or structure in relation to flood zones as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to obtain flood insurance, as well as lenders and insurance agents, may need to file an Elevation Certificate to determine insurance rates.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, gather necessary property details, complete the required sections accurately, including building height and flood zone information, and have it signed by a licensed surveyor or engineer.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of the Elevation Certificate is to provide official documentation of a property's elevation to help determine flood insurance premiums and compliance with local floodplain management ordinances.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information such as the property's location, building type, elevation of the lowest floor, and additional data related to flood zones and floodproofing.