Elevation certificates determine the elevation of specific structures with regard to base flood elevations determined by FEMA. These certificates are required to rate certain flood insurance policies, based on their construction date. In most cases elevation certificates are prepared by licensed surveyors and engineers. Property owners are able to complete their own elevation certificate for most properties located in a zone A and zone A0 only.

Elevation certificates are optional for other properties to determine if they qualify for a lower flood insurance premium.

To view and print the FEMA elevation certificate and instructions, click here.

If your community joined the National Flood Insurance Program before your home was built the chances are good that an elevation certificate is on file in the building department. They are supposed to require an elevation certificate prior to issuing the building permit. The builder, architect, or current owners are also possible sources.

If flood insurance is required for a loan closing and an elevation certificate is not available, in many cases we can issue a policy subject to the submission of an elevation certificate after loan closing.