Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to certify the elevation of a building for flood insurance purposes, providing information about the property's location, building description, flood zones, and elevation data.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain the Elevation Certificate form (FEMA Form 81-31).
2. Fill out the property information section, including the address and owner's name.
3. Identify the building type (residential, commercial, etc.) on the form.
4. Have a licensed surveyor measure the elevation of the building's lowest floor.
5. Include the surveyor's contact information and seal on the form.
6. Complete the flood zone information, including the community and panel number.
7. Indicate any basement or crawl space details.
8. Review the entire form for accuracy before submission.
9. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain administrator or insurance provider.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas are required to obtain an Elevation Certificate for insurance purposes.
2. Homebuyers looking to assess flood risk before purchasing a property should also obtain one.
3. Real estate agents may need Elevation Certificates when selling properties in flood zones.
4. Local governments may require Elevation Certificates for compliance with floodplain management regulations.

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 in relation to the base flood elevation determined by FEMA. It provides information needed for flood insurance purposes.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Property owners in flood-prone areas who are seeking flood insurance or satisfying local floodplain management requirements are typically required to file an Elevation Certificate.

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, you must gather specific property information, complete the form accurately by providing elevation data using a qualified surveyor, and ensure all relevant sections are filled out according to FEMA guidelines.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide crucial elevation data for flood insurance calculations, help determine the proper insurance premiums, and assist local governments in enforcing floodplain management regulations.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

The Elevation Certificate must report information such as the property's location, construction details, lowest floor elevation, flood zone designation, and other relevant flood risk data.