Blank Fema Elevation Template

The FEMA Elevation Certificate is a crucial document used in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide essential elevation information for buildings located in flood-prone areas. This form helps determine insurance premium rates and ensures compliance with local floodplain management regulations. Understanding and completing this certificate is vital for property owners looking to secure flood insurance and protect their investments.

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Article Guide

The FEMA Elevation Certificate plays a crucial role in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), serving as a key document to provide necessary elevation information for buildings situated in flood-prone areas. This form assists communities in managing floodplain regulations and helps property owners determine their insurance premium rates. By accurately documenting the elevation of the lowest floor of new or substantially improved structures, the certificate supports requests for crucial amendments, such as Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) and Letters of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F). It is important to note that the certificate is specifically required for buildings constructed after the issuance of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and located in specific flood insurance zones like AE and VE. Community officials use the data included in this certificate to ensure compliance with ordinances aimed at reducing flood losses. Moreover, the information collected helps determine if a property qualifies for flood insurance and can significantly impact insurance costs. Although the certificate includes a multitude of data points, such as geographic coordinates and flood zone designations, it emphasizes that the disclosure of information is voluntary. However, not providing the requested data may lead to difficulties in obtaining flood insurance. Understanding and completing the FEMA Elevation Certificate accurately is essential for property owners, since it establishes the groundwork for being adequately insured against potential flood damages.

Form Sample

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE

AND

INSTRUCTIONS

2019 EDITION

OMB No. 1660-0008

Expiration Date: November 30, 2022

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

National Flood Insurance Program

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE AND INSTRUCTIONS

Paperwork Reduction Act Notice

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 3.75 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to: Information Collections Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20742, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0008). NOTE: Do not send your completed form to this address.

Privacy Act Statement

Authority: Title 44 CFR § 61.7 and 61.8.

Principal Purpose(s): This information is being collected for the primary purpose of estimating the risk premium rates necessary to provide flood insurance for new or substantially improved structures in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Routine Use(s): The information on this form may be disclosed as generally permitted under 5 U.S.C. § 552a(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This includes using this information as necessary and authorized by the routine uses published in DHS/ FEMA-003 – National Flood Insurance Program Files System or Records Notice 73 Fed. Reg. 77747 (December 19, 2008); DHS/ FEMA/NFIP/LOMA-1 – National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) System of Records Notice 71 Fed. Reg. 7990 (February 15, 2006); and upon written request, written consent, by agreement, or as required by law.

Disclosure: The disclosure of information on this form is voluntary; however, failure to provide the information requested may result in the inability to obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or the applicant may be subject to higher premium rates for flood insurance. Information will only be released as permitted by law.

Purpose of the Elevation Certificate

The Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is to be used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F).

The Elevation Certificate is required in order to properly rate Post-FIRM buildings, which are buildings constructed after publication of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), located in flood insurance Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1–V30, V (with BFE), AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO. The Elevation Certificate is not required for Pre-FIRM buildings unless the building is being rated under the optional Post-FIRM flood insurance rules.

As part of the agreement for making flood insurance available in a community, the NFIP requires the community to adopt floodplain management regulations that specify minimum requirements for reducing flood losses. One such requirement is for the community to obtain the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved buildings, and maintain a record of such information. The Elevation Certificate provides a way for a community to document compliance with the community's floodplain management ordinance.

Use of this certificate does not provide a waiver of the flood insurance purchase requirement. Only a LOMA or LOMR-F from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can amend the FIRM and remove the Federal mandate for a lending institution to require the purchase of flood insurance. However, the lending institution has the option of requiring flood insurance even if a LOMA/LOMR-F has been issued by FEMA. The Elevation Certificate may be used to support a LOMA or LOMR-F request. Lowest floor and lowest adjacent grade elevations certified by a surveyor or engineer will be required if the certificate is used to support a LOMA or LOMR-F request. A LOMA or LOMR-F request must be submitted with either a completed FEMA MT-EZ or MT-1 package, whichever is appropriate.

This certificate is used only to certify building elevations. A separate certificate is required for floodproofing. Under the NFIP, non- residential buildings can be floodproofed up to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). A floodproofed building is a building that has been designed and constructed to be watertight (substantially impermeable to floodwaters) below the BFE. Floodproofing of residential buildings is not permitted under the NFIP unless FEMA has granted the community an exception for residential floodproofed basements. The community must adopt standards for design and construction of floodproofed basements before FEMA will grant a basement exception. For both floodproofed non-residential buildings and residential floodproofed basements in communities that have been granted an exception by FEMA, a floodproofing certificate is required.

Additional guidance can be found in FEMA Publication 467-1, Floodplain Management Bulletin: Elevation Certificate, available on FEMA's website at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3539?id=1727.

FEMA Form 086-0-33 (12/19)

Replaces all previous editions.

F-053

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency

National Flood Insurance Program

OMB No. 1660-0008

Expiration Date: November 30, 2022

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE

Important: Follow the instructions on pages 1–9.

Copy all pages of this Elevation Certificate and all attachments for (1) community official, (2) insurance agent/company, and (3) building owner.

	SECTION A – PROPERTY INFORMATION	FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
A1. Building Owner's Name		Policy Number:

A2. Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and		Company NAIC Number:
Box No.		Company NAIC Number:
Box No.

City	State	ZIP Code

A3. Property Description (Lot and Block Numbers, Tax Parcel Number, Legal Description, etc.)

A4. Building Use (e.g., Residential, Non-Residential, Addition, Accessory, etc.)

A5. Latitude/Longitude: Lat.

Long.

Horizontal Datum:

NAD 1927

NAD 1983

A6. Attach at least 2 photographs of the building if the Certificate is being used to obtain flood insurance.

A7. Building Diagram Number

A8. For a building with a crawlspace or enclosure(s):

Square footage of crawlspace or enclosure(s)

sq ft

Number of permanent flood openings in the crawlspace or enclosure(s) within 1.0 foot above adjacent grade

Total net area of flood openings in A8.b

sq in

d) Engineered flood openings?

Yes

A9. For a building with an attached garage:

Square footage of attached garage

sq ft

Number of permanent flood openings in the attached garage within 1.0 foot above adjacent grade

Total net area of flood openings in A9.b

sq in

d) Engineered flood openings?

Yes

SECTION B – FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION

B1. NFIP Community Name & Community Number

B2. County Name

B3. State

B4. Map/Panel

Number

B5. Suffix

B6. FIRM Index Date

B7. FIRM Panel

Effective/

Revised Date

B8. Flood Zone(s)

B9. Base Flood Elevation(s)

(Zone AO, use Base Flood Depth)

B10. Indicate the source of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data or base flood depth entered in Item B9:

FIS Profile

FIRM

Community Determined

Other/Source:

B11. Indicate elevation datum used for BFE in Item B9: NGVD 1929

NAVD 1988

Other/Source:

B12. Is the building located in a Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) area or Otherwise Protected Area (OPA)?				Yes	No
Designation Date:		CBRS	OPA

FEMA Form 086-0-33 (12/19)

Replaces all previous editions.

Form Page 1 of 6

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE			OMB No. 1660-0008
			Expiration Date: November 30, 2022
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.			FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.			Policy Number:

City	State	ZIP Code	Company NAIC Number

SECTION C – BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (SURVEY REQUIRED)

C1. Building elevations are based on:	Construction Drawings*	Building Under Construction*	Finished Construction
*A new Elevation Certificate will be required when construction of the building is complete.

C2. Elevations – Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1–V30, V (with BFE), AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, AR/AO. Complete Items C2.a–h below according to the building diagram specified in Item A7. In Puerto Rico only, enter meters.

Benchmark Utilized:

Vertical Datum:

Indicate elevation datum used for the elevations in items a) through h) below.

NGVD 1929

NAVD 1988

Other/Source:

Datum used for building elevations must be the same as that used for the BFE.

Check the measurement used.

Top of bottom floor (including basement, crawlspace, or enclosure floor)

feet

meters

Top of the next higher floor

feet

meters

Bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member (V Zones only)

feet

meters

Attached garage (top of slab)

feet

meters

Lowest elevation of machinery or equipment servicing the building

feet

meters

(Describe type of equipment and location in Comments)

feet

meters

Lowest adjacent (finished) grade next to building (LAG)

Highest adjacent (finished) grade next to building (HAG)

feet

meters

Lowest adjacent grade at lowest elevation of deck or stairs, including

feet

meters

structural support

SECTION D – SURVEYOR, ENGINEER, OR ARCHITECT CERTIFICATION

This certification is to be signed and sealed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect authorized by law to certify elevation information. I certify that the information on this Certificate represents my best efforts to interpret the data available. I understand that any false statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001.

Were latitude and longitude in Section A provided by a licensed land surveyor?		Yes	No	Check here if attachments.

Certifier's Name	License Number

Title

Company Name

Address

City	State	ZIP Code

Signature	Date	Telephone		Ext.

Copy all pages of this Elevation Certificate and all attachments for (1) community official, (2) insurance agent/company, and (3) building owner. Comments (including type of equipment and location, per C2(e), if applicable)

FEMA Form 086-0-33 (12/19)

Replaces all previous editions.

Form Page 2 of 6

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE			OMB No. 1660-0008
			Expiration Date: November 30, 2022
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.			FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.			Policy Number:

City	State	ZIP Code	Company NAIC Number

SECTION E – BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (SURVEY NOT REQUIRED)

FOR ZONE AO AND ZONE A (WITHOUT BFE)

For Zones AO and A (without BFE), complete Items E1–E5. If the Certificate is intended to support a LOMA or LOMR-F request, complete Sections A, B,and C. For Items E1–E4, use natural grade, if available. Check the measurement used. In Puerto Rico only, enter meters.

E1. Provide elevation information for the following and check the appropriate boxes to show whether the elevation is above or below the highest adjacent grade (HAG) and the lowest adjacent grade (LAG).

a)Top of bottom floor (including basement, crawlspace, or enclosure) is

b)Top of bottom floor (including basement, crawlspace, or enclosure) is

feet	meters	above or	below the HAG.
feet	meters	above or	below the LAG.

E2.	For Building Diagrams 6–9 with permanent flood openings provided in Section A Items 8 and/or 9 (see pages 1–2 of Instructions),
	the next higher floor (elevation C2.b in				feet	meters	above or	below the HAG.
	the diagrams) of the building is
E3.	Attached garage (top of slab) is				feet	meters	above or	below the HAG.

E4.	Top of platform of machinery and/or equipment
	servicing the building is				feet	meters	above or	below the HAG.

E5.	Zone AO only: If no flood depth number is available, is the top of the bottom floor elevated in accordance with the community's
	floodplain management ordinance?	Yes	No	Unknown. The local official must certify this information in Section G.

SECTION F – PROPERTY OWNER (OR OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE) CERTIFICATION

The property owner or owner's authorized representative who completes Sections A, B, and E for Zone A (without a FEMA-issued or community-issued BFE) or Zone AO must sign here. The statements in Sections A, B, and E are correct to the best of my knowledge.

Property Owner or Owner's Authorized Representative's Name

Address	City	State	ZIP Code

Signature	Date	Telephone

Comments

		Check here if attachments.

FEMA Form 086-0-33 (12/19)	Replaces all previous editions.	Form Page 3 of 6

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE

OMB No. 1660-0008

Expiration Date: November 30, 2022

IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.			FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.			Policy Number:

City	State	ZIP Code	Company NAIC Number

	SECTION G – COMMUNITY INFORMATION (OPTIONAL)

The local official who is authorized by law or ordinance to administer the community's floodplain management ordinance can complete Sections A, B, C (or E), and G of this Elevation Certificate. Complete the applicable item(s) and sign below. Check the measurement used in Items G8–G10. In Puerto Rico only, enter meters.

G1.

The information in Section C was taken from other documentation that has been signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. (Indicate the source and date of the elevation data in the Comments area below.)

G2.

G3.

A community official completed Section E for a building located in Zone A (without a FEMA-issued or community-issued BFE) or Zone AO.

The following information (Items G4–G10) is provided for community floodplain management purposes.

G4. Permit Number

G5. Date Permit Issued

G6. Date Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy Issued

G7. This permit has been issued for:

New Construction

Substantial Improvement

G8. Elevation of as-built lowest floor (including basement) of the building:

G9. BFE or (in Zone AO) depth of flooding at the building site:

G10. Community's design flood elevation:

Local Official's Name

Title

feet meters Datum

Community Name	Telephone
Signature	Date

Comments (including type of equipment and location, per C2(e), if applicable)

Check here if attachments.

FEMA Form 086-0-33 (12/19)

Replaces all previous editions.

Form Page 4 of 6

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE	BUILDING PHOTOGRAPHS		OMB No. 1660-0008
	See Instructions for Item A6.		Expiration Date: November 30, 2022
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.			FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.			Policy Number:

City	State	ZIP Code	Company NAIC Number

If using the Elevation Certificate to obtain NFIP flood insurance, affix at least 2 building photographs below according to the instructions for Item A6. Identify all photographs with date taken; "Front View" and "Rear View"; and, if required, "Right Side View" and "Left Side View." When applicable, photographs must show the foundation with representative examples of the flood openings or vents, as indicated in Section A8. If submitting more photographs than will fit on this page, use the Continuation Page.

	Photo One
Photo One Caption		Clear Photo One

	Photo Two
Photo Two Caption		Clear Photo Two

FEMA Form 086-0-33 (12/19)

Replaces all previous editions.

Form Page 5 of 6

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE	BUILDING PHOTOGRAPHS		OMB No. 1660-0008
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE		Continuation Page	Expiration Date: November 30, 2022
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.			FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.			Policy Number:

City	State	ZIP Code	Company NAIC Number

If submitting more photographs than will fit on the preceding page, affix the additional photographs below. Identify all photographs with: date taken; "Front View" and "Rear View"; and, if required, "Right Side View" and "Left Side View." When applicable, photographs must show the foundation with representative examples of the flood openings or vents, as indicated in Section A8.

	Photo Three
Photo Three Caption	Clear Photo Three

	Photo Four
Photo Four Caption		Clear Photo Four

FEMA Form 086-0-33 (12/19)

Replaces all previous editions.

Form Page 6 of 6

⇩ PDF

Document Specifications

Fact Name	Description
Purpose of the Elevation Certificate	The Elevation Certificate serves to provide necessary elevation information for flood insurance compliance and risk assessment.
Required for Post-FIRM Buildings	This form is mandatory for Post-FIRM buildings in designated flood zones, except for those rated under optional Post-FIRM rules.
Community Regulations	Communities must adopt floodplain management regulations. These require maintaining the elevation of new or substantially improved buildings.
Information Disclosure	Disclosure of information on the form is voluntary; however, it is essential for obtaining flood insurance and avoiding higher premium rates.
Certification Requirement	The certificate must be signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect to validate the elevation information provided.
Floodproofing Conditions	Non-residential buildings can be floodproofed to meet specified standards. However, residential floodproofing is generally not allowed unless exceptions are granted.
State-Specific Regulations	Various states have their regulations governing the NFIP and Elevation Certificate usage. Check with your local authority for specific laws.

Steps to Filling Out Fema Elevation

Filling out the FEMA Elevation Certificate is a vital step in obtaining flood insurance and ensuring compliance with local regulations. The form requires accurate information about your property's elevation and relevant flood zone details. After completing the form, you must submit it to your local authority and keep copies for yourself, your insurance agent, and your community officials.

Gather necessary information: Before starting, collect all relevant data about your property, such as the address, owner details, and elevation data.
Complete Section A: Fill in the property owner's name, building address, property description, building use, and latitude/longitude.
Attach photographs: Include at least two photos of the building if the certificate is for flood insurance purposes.
Provide Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information: Complete Section B with community name, county, state, and map details.
Document building elevation: In Section C, indicate building elevation details necessary for flood zones, including surveyor verification if required.
Certification by a surveyor or engineer: Have a licensed professional complete Section D, certifying the data provided.
Complete Section E (if applicable): Fill out this section if your property is in Zone AO or A without a Base Flood Elevation.
Property owner certification: The property owner or their representative must sign Section F, verifying accuracy in Sections A, B, and E.
Make copies: Ensure you have copies of the completed form for the owner, insurance company, and community officials.
Submit the form: Send the completed Elevation Certificate to your local authority as directed in the instructions.

More About Fema Elevation

What is the purpose of the FEMA Elevation Certificate?

The FEMA Elevation Certificate serves multiple essential functions. Primarily, it provides crucial elevation information needed to comply with local floodplain management regulations. This information helps determine appropriate flood insurance premium rates for properties, particularly those built or improved after the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was published. Furthermore, the certificate is required for properties in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas and plays an important role in supporting requests for Letter of Map Amendments (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revisions based on fill (LOMR-F). It captures vital details that communities need to record for effective flood risk management.

Who needs an Elevation Certificate?

Individuals and communities dealing with properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas typically need an Elevation Certificate. Specifically, it’s required for buildings constructed after the FIRM was published, often referred to as Post-FIRM buildings. While it isn’t compulsory for Pre-FIRM buildings unless being rated under new insurance rules, obtaining one can help mitigate flood insurance costs. Homeowners, builders, and insurance agents commonly seek this certificate for various reasons, including compliance and the need for accurate insurance premium calculation.

How is the Elevation Certificate completed and who should fill it out?

The Elevation Certificate must be filled out by a licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect. Various sections of the form require specific information about the building's location, use, and measurements. Accurate elevation data must be provided, including details like the lowest floor elevation and adjacent grades. It is critical that this professional uses precise construction drawings or measurements to ensure that the information is reliable. Incomplete or inaccurate information may lead to issues with obtaining flood insurance.

Can Elevation Certificates potentially alter flood insurance requirements?

While the Elevation Certificate itself does not waive the flood insurance purchase requirement, it can be instrumental in lowering premium rates. Moreover, if the elevation data suggests that a property is above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), it may support a request for a LOMA or LOMR-F. Should FEMA grant these requests, it can remove the federal mandate for flood insurance, significantly impacting homeowners' and lenders' insurance obligations. However, lending institutions may still independently require flood insurance regardless of FEMA’s findings.

What happens if someone doesn’t submit an Elevation Certificate?

Failure to submit an Elevation Certificate may lead to heightened flood insurance premiums or, potentially, the inability to obtain flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For homeowners in designated flood zones, this can have severe financial implications. It is vital to comply with community regulations and ensure that accurate elevation data is provided to mitigate costs related to future flood risks.

Is there a specific format or guidelines for submitting the Elevation Certificate?

Yes, the Elevation Certificate must adhere to the format provided by FEMA. It includes several sections that require specific information, such as property details, flood zone data, and certified elevations. Each section serves a unique purpose in documenting compliance with floodplain management requirements. It’s essential for property owners to copy and maintain all pages and attachments of the certified document for their records and for submission to relevant parties, including community officials and insurance agents.

Common mistakes

Omitting required signatures. Both the surveyor and property owner must sign the form. Failing to secure these signatures could delay or invalidate the certificate.
Inaccurate property information. Providing incorrect details such as the building address or legal description can lead to complications with insurance processing.
Wrong base flood elevation data. Incorrect or outdated Base Flood Elevation (BFE) information can result in improper flood insurance premium rates and might lead to disputes.
Neglecting to include all required photos. Not attaching at least two photographs of the building could hinder flood insurance applications, particularly if they require visual documentation.
Improperly measuring elevations. Failure to utilize the correct elevation datum can cause miscalculations in building heights, affecting compliance with floodplain regulations.
Using the wrong form sections. Completing sections not applicable to the building type can confuse the certifying authority and delay the documentation process.
Not providing a licensed surveyor’s information. If the latitude and longitude are not supplied by an approved surveyor, it might result in rejection of the form.
Ignoring local floodplain management ordinances. Disregarding local requirements when filling out the form can lead to non-compliance issues with the community.
Failing to double-check for completeness. Missing items or leaving sections blank can jeopardize the application, necessitating retrials and prolonged processing times.
Not understanding the implications of the Elevation Certificate. Misinterpretation of the certificate's purpose could result in failure to obtain necessary flood insurance or misrating.

Documents used along the form

The FEMA Elevation Certificate is crucial for establishing a building's elevation in relation to flood risk. However, there are several other documents that often accompany this form, which are necessary for compliance and insurance purposes. Understanding these documents will facilitate the flood insurance process.

FEMA MT-EZ Form: This form is used to request a Letter of Map Change due to the existing conditions of a property. It is typically needed for simpler requests concerning properties that have natural barriers against flooding.
FEMA MT-1 Form: This package is submitted as part of a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F). It is used for more complex changes concerning flood zone designations.
Floodproofing Certificate: Required for non-residential buildings that have been floodproofed. This document certifies that the building meets wet floodproofing standards, ensuring it can withstand flood conditions.
Building Plans or Blueprints: These documents may be necessary to provide evidence of the building's design and construction details, which are crucial for determining compliance with floodplain management regulations.
Proof of Property Ownership: Documentation that verifies the property owner's identity and ownership interest is often needed to support applications related to flood insurance and elevation certification.
Insurance Policy Declarations Page: A current declaration page from the flood insurance policy can help confirm coverage and policy details, which is essential for both compliance and premium calculations.

Obtaining these forms and ensuring they are properly filled out will streamline your interactions with FEMA and insurance providers. This can ultimately impact the availability and cost of flood insurance for your property. Prompt attention to these items is essential for protecting your investment against flood risks.

Similar forms

The FEMA Elevation Certificate shares similarities with the "Floodproofing Certificate." Both documents are essential under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for ensuring that buildings meet flood protection standards. The Floodproofing Certificate specifically applies to non-residential structures designed to withstand floodwaters. Like the Elevation Certificate, it provides critical elevation data, but focuses more on the methods employed to make buildings watertight. Both certificates play a role in determining insurance premiums and compliance with local floodplain management ordinances.

Another document that resembles the Elevation Certificate is the "Letter of Map Amendment" (LOMA). A LOMA serves to officially amend the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), allowing properties to be removed from designated flood zone designations. To support a LOMA request, accurate elevation data is necessary—data that is often found in the Elevation Certificate. Both documents work together in helping property owners clarify their flood insurance status and reduce premiums by providing factual elevation information.

The "Letter of Map Revision based on Fill" (LOMR-F) is also similar to the Elevation Certificate. A LOMR-F is used when a property is elevated by fill to reduce flood risks. Essentially, it verifies that the property now meets the established base flood elevation. Just like the Elevation Certificate, a LOMR-F relies on accurate height data certified by a surveyor. This relationship highlights how both documents help property owners navigate flood insurance complexities while meeting federal and local requirements.

The "Community Rating System" (CRS) application is another related document. The CRS encourages communities to adopt floodplain management practices beyond minimum federal requirements. These efforts can lead to discounted flood insurance rates for residents. Similar to the Elevation Certificate, communities must ensure that they keep accurate records and documentation to demonstrate compliance with higher standards. The information collected in both documents ultimately feeds into rate calculations for flood insurance premiums.

An important supporting document is the "Flood Insurance Rate Map" (FIRM) itself. The FIRM delineates flood hazard zones and is crucial in assessing flood risks for properties. When completing the Elevation Certificate, property owners reference data from the FIRM to identify relevant flood zones, base flood elevations, and other important metrics. Therefore, the FIRM and Elevation Certificate complement each other, as one dictates the flood risk parameters while the other provides specific elevation data necessary for insurance rating.

Lastly, the "Elevation Data Form" can be viewed as akin to the Elevation Certificate. This form is frequently utilized in local jurisdictions to gather the same type of elevation information for compliance purposes. Although it may not hold the same weight as the Elevation Certificate in terms of NFIP requirements, both documents function to confirm that elevation data is accurately recorded and available for floodplain management. Thus, they enhance accountability in maintaining community flood safety standards.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the FEMA Elevation Certificate, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines carefully.

Provide complete and accurate information in all required fields.
Use the correct elevation datum consistently throughout the form.
Include the required signatures and seals from licensed professionals where applicable.
Attach at least two clear photographs of the property.
Ensure that any measurements, especially elevations, are double-checked for accuracy.

Conversely, there are also pitfalls to avoid.

Do not leave any required fields blank.
Avoid mixing different elevation datums in your measurements.
Do not submit the completed form to the address listed for comments.
Refrain from using outdated or incorrect forms; always use the latest version.
Do not ignore instructions specific to the flood zone relevant to your property.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the FEMA Elevation Certificate:

The Elevation Certificate is optional. Many people believe that completing an Elevation Certificate is voluntary. In reality, it is required for certain properties, especially those located in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas, to obtain flood insurance.
This form only matters for new construction. It's a common myth that the Elevation Certificate is needed only for new buildings. However, it is also necessary for substantially improved structures and required for certain pre-existing buildings if they are rated under post-FIRM rules.
Flood insurance rates are determined arbitrarily. Some think that flood insurance rates are randomly set. The truth is that rates are based on objective data, including the elevation information collected via the Elevation Certificate, which reflects the property's flood risk.
An Elevation Certificate guarantees a lower insurance premium. While it helps gauge flood risk, having an Elevation Certificate doesn't automatically lower insurance premiums. Premiums still depend on various factors, including the insurance provider's policies and other risk-related metrics.
The Elevation Certificate totally removes the flood insurance requirement. Many believe that submitting this certificate will eliminate the need for flood insurance entirely. In fact, it may only help adjust premiums. Only a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA can formally change flood zone designations.
The Elevation Certificate does not involve any community regulations. Some people think this form is only a technical document. It actually plays a vital role in ensuring that communities comply with floodplain management regulations designed to protect them from flood losses.
All builders can complete the Elevation Certificate. There’s a misconception that anyone can fill out an Elevation Certificate. It must be completed and certified by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect to ensure the accuracy of elevation data.
Residential floodproofing is commonly allowed. Many assume that residential buildings can be easily floodproofed. However, under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floodproofing for homes is generally not permitted unless specific exceptions are granted by FEMA.
Once completed, the Elevation Certificate never needs updates. It is a misunderstanding that a completed Elevation Certificate remains valid indefinitely. If there are changes to the property or its elevation, a new certificate will be necessary to reflect the updates accurately.

Key takeaways

When filling out the FEMA Elevation Certificate, several key points should be noted to ensure that the form is completed accurately and efficiently.

Understand the Purpose: The Elevation Certificate is essential for determining flood insurance premium rates. It helps provide vital elevation data to comply with community floodplain management regulations.
Identification Required: Clearly provide the building owner's name, address, and other identifying information in Section A. It is crucial to complete this section meticulously to avoid any delays.
Elevation Information: Accurate elevation measurements must be obtained. A licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect must certify these elevations in Section D to ensure their authenticity.
Photographs: Include at least two photographs of the building when submitting the Elevation Certificate for flood insurance. This visual documentation assists in the verification process.
Flood Information: Fill out Section B with information regarding the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Identify the flood zone and base flood elevation, using the correct source of information.
Compliance Consideration: Completing the certificate does not exempt the property from the requirement to purchase flood insurance. A LOMA or LOMR-F is necessary to amend map designations.
Documentation Copies: Make copies of the completed Elevation Certificate and all attachments. Send these copies to relevant parties, including the community official and insurance agent.

By following these guidelines, individuals can more effectively navigate the process of completing the FEMA Elevation Certificate, ultimately aiding in the protection against flood-related risks.