Elevation Certificate

What is an Elevation Certificate, and why is it important?

An Elevation Certificate is a document that tells you how high a building or piece of land is above sea level. It is an important tool for property owners, insurance companies, and local governments to understand and mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters.

Elevation Certificates help property owners understand their property’s risk of flooding or other natural disasters. By knowing the elevation of their property, they can make informed decisions about buying flood insurance or building on their land.

Elevation Certificates can be used by insurance companies to determine insurance rates. Properties located in flood-prone areas will typically have higher insurance rates, so having an accurate Elevation Certificate can help property owners get the right insurance coverage and avoid overpaying for insurance.

Elevation Certificates are often required by local building departments when constructing or modifying buildings in flood-prone areas. It helps ensure that buildings are built to the appropriate height to protect against flooding.

To get an Elevation Certificate, a professional surveyor or engineer will come to your property and measure the elevation. They will then fill out a form with all the information they gathered and submit it to FEMA, who will use it to create the certificate.

What information is on an Elevation Certificate?

• Property Information: This includes the property address, owner’s name, and other identifying information.
• Elevation Data: The certificate will show the property’s elevation above sea level, as well as the elevation of nearby structures and features.
• Floodplain Information: The certificate will identify whether the property is located in a floodplain, and if so, what type of floodplain it is.
• Base Flood Elevation (BFE): This is the elevation at which there is a 1% chance of flooding in any given year. The BFE is an important reference point for determining whether a property is at risk of flooding.
• Building Information: If there is a building on the property, the certificate will include information about its elevation and construction.
• Surveyor or Engineer Information: The certificate will identify the licensed surveyor or engineer who conducted the elevation survey and prepared the certificate.

How do I get an Elevation Certificate?

To get an Elevation Certificate, you should:

Keep in mind that the cost of the survey and certificate can vary depending on factors, such as the size of your property and the complexity of the survey. However, the investment can be worthwhile in helping you make informed decisions about protecting your property from natural disasters.