Get the free Elevation Certificate

This document is used to certify the elevation of buildings to determine flood insurance rates under the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to fill out elevation certificate

How to fill out Elevation Certificate

1. Obtain an Elevation Certificate form from your local floodplain management office or download it from the FEMA website.
2. Fill in the owner's name, property address, and contact information in the designated sections.
3. Provide detailed information about the building type, its purpose, and its flood zone designation.
4. Measure and record the elevation of the lowest floor of the building, including the basement, using a level and measuring device.
5. Document the elevation of any attached garages or additional structures, as required.
6. Verify the source of the elevation data and provide supporting documentation if available.
7. Complete the Certification by the Surveyor, Engineer, or Architect section, ensuring it is signed and dated.
8. Submit the completed Elevation Certificate to your local floodplain management office and keep a copy for your records.

Who needs Elevation Certificate?

1. Property owners in flood-prone areas who need to comply with flood insurance requirements.
2. Owners looking to obtain or renew flood insurance policies.
3. Individuals seeking to meet local building regulations or zoning requirements.
4. Real estate agents and buyers involved in 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 an official document used to determine the elevation of a property in relation to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), which is essential for flood insurance rating and compliance with local floodplain management regulations.

Who is required to file Elevation Certificate?

Elevation Certificates are typically required by property owners in flood-prone areas, insurance agents, and mortgage lenders to assess flood insurance needs and compliance with local regulations, particularly for structures located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).

How to fill out Elevation Certificate?

To fill out an Elevation Certificate, a licensed surveyor or engineer must measure the elevation of the structure's lowest floor, the elevation of the highest adjacent grade, and other relevant data. The completed form includes specific fields that need accurate measurement and reporting of this information.

What is the purpose of Elevation Certificate?

The primary purpose of an Elevation Certificate is to provide information about a property's elevation relative to the BFE, which is necessary for determining flood insurance premiums, ensuring compliance with local floodplain management ordinances, and providing critical data for floodplain mapping and management.

What information must be reported on Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate must report information such as the building's lowest floor elevation, the highest adjacent grade elevation, the location of the building within a flood zone, as well as specific details about the structure's design and occupancy.