Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document certifies the elevation of a building in relation to the base flood elevation as part of the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain a blank Elevation Certificate form from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website or your local building department.
2. Review the instructions included with the Elevation Certificate form carefully.
3. Locate the property for which the Elevation Certificate is being completed and enter the property address.
4. Fill out Section A by providing information about the building, including its purpose and construction materials.
5. For Section B, input information about the flood zone and insurance requirements relevant to the property.
6. In Section C, the licensed land surveyor or engineer must measure the elevation of the lowest floor, including basements and crawl spaces, and document these measurements.
7. Complete Section D with any required special certifications or notes as indicated by the local governing authority or floodplain administrator.
8. Review all entries for accuracy and completeness to ensure it meets local floodplain management requirements.
9. Sign and date the form, then submit it to your local jurisdiction or insurance provider as required.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Homeowners in flood-prone areas need an Elevation Certificate to determine their insurance premiums.
2. Real estate agents may need it during property transactions to assess flood risks.
3. Builders and developers may require it to ensure compliance with local floodplain management regulations.
4. Property owners seeking to obtain flood insurance or improve existing coverage needs an Elevation Certificate.

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 property relative to the base flood elevation, as part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is primarily used to determine flood insurance premiums.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners who have structures in flood-prone areas or those who need to secure flood insurance may be required to file an Elevation Certificate. It is often needed by insurance agents, local governments, and lenders.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, one must provide information about the building's location, ground elevations, and flood zone designation. A licensed surveyor or engineer typically conducts the necessary measurements and completes the form.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to determine a building's flood risk, calculate precise flood insurance premiums, and provide compliance with local floodplain management regulations.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The information reported on an Elevation Certificate includes the building's location, its elevation relative to the base flood elevation, ground elevation data, flood zone designation, and details about foundations and construction materials.