Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to certify the elevation of a building in relation to flood risk for insurance purposes under the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the Elevation Certificate form from the relevant authority or website.
2. Fill out the property information section, including the address and owner's name.
3. Indicate the type of building (residential, commercial, etc.) and its use.
4. Provide details about the building's construction, including the foundation type, elevation, and any flood zone designations.
5. Complete the elevation section with measurements from the lowest floor, the foundation, and other relevant heights to a benchmark reference.
6. Provide photographs of the property showing the building and its surrounding environment.
7. Ensure all information is accurate, and have it reviewed by a certified professional as needed.
8. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your local authority or as required for insurance purposes.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Homeowners in flood-prone areas who need flood insurance.
2. Real estate professionals involved in transactions for properties in designated flood zones.
3. Local government agencies needing to assess flood risk or manage zoning.
4. Builders and developers involved in constructing properties in flood zones.
5. Insurance companies requiring the certificate to determine flood insurance rates.

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 confirm a property's elevation relative to the ground level, which is critical for assessing flood risks and determining flood insurance premiums.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas who are required to obtain flood insurance, as well as those looking to prove compliance with local floodplain management regulations.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, a licensed surveyor must collect specific elevation data of the property, including information about the building's foundation, flood zones, and other pertinent details, and then complete the official form.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide information that helps determine the proper flood insurance premium, ensure compliance with local flood regulations, and support property owners in understanding their flood risk.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report data such as the building's lowest floor elevation, the location of the site, flood zone designation, and other relevant information that affects flood insurance and management.