Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to provide elevation information for buildings located in flood-prone areas, needed for flood 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 local floodplain administrator or the FEMA website.
2. Enter the property information, including the owner's name and address at the top of the form.
3. Provide a description of the building, including its use and construction details in Section A.
4. Fill out Section B, indicating any buildings or structures on the property that are subject to flood insurance requirements.
5. Measure the elevation of the building's lowest floor, including the basement, if applicable, and enter this information in Section C.
6. Complete Section D with reference to the flood zone as indicated on the flood insurance rate map (FIRM).
7. Have a licensed surveyor or engineer complete Section E, where they attest to the accuracy of the elevation measurements.
8. Review the completed form for accuracy and ensure all sections are filled out completely.
9. Submit the Elevation Certificate to your local community official and keep a copy for your records.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who are applying for flood insurance.
2. Those who are required to comply with local floodplain management regulations.
3. Homeowners looking to determine their flood risk or to appeal a flood zone designation.
4. Real estate agents and buyers needing the documentation for property transactions in 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 a document used to determine the elevation of a building in relation to the base flood elevation as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program. It provides crucial data for flood insurance purposes.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate is typically required by property owners in flood-prone areas when applying for flood insurance or when seeking to mitigate flood risk. Lenders may also require it for properties in high-risk flood zones.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, one must provide specific information about the property, including the location, building characteristics, and survey data showing the elevation of the building in relation to flood levels. It is advisable to have a licensed surveyor complete this certificate.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide accurate information that facilitates the determination of flood insurance rates, assists in compliance with local floodplain management regulations, and helps property owners assess their flood risk.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information such as the building's location, the elevation of the lowest floor, ground elevation, and whether the building is elevated on pilings or columns. It also includes information about the flood zone designation and the community's floodplain management requirements.