What is an Elevation Certificate, and Do You Need One?

An Elevation Certificate (EC) is an important document for homeowners in flood-prone areas. It is used to determine flood risk and ensure compliance with local floodplain management laws. This gauges your home’s flood risk compared to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and is often used to support floodplain management decisions. While this certificate is no longer required to purchase coverage, it may result in lower flood insurance premiums.

Elevation Certificates: Who Needs Them and Why?

Who Needs an Elevation Certificate?

Homeowners in areas designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are typically required to have an Elevation Certificate. These documents are vital for both new property buyers and existing owners in flood-prone areas as they provide essential data for informed purchasing decisions, insurance premium assessments, and compliance with mortgage and local regulations. They are essential for establishing flood risk, which influences insurance costs and property valuation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) often mandates ECs for properties within SFHAs to evaluate flood risks and compliance with floodplain management ordinances. 

Why is the Elevation Certificate Important?

As a property owner, understanding your building’s elevation to the base flood is crucial. An Elevation Certificate (EC) helps you compare your building’s elevation against the base flood elevation (BFE). Insurance providers and local authorities use ECs to assess flood risk, determine compliance with elevation requirements, and support decisions about flood insurance rates. The elevation difference between your structure and the BFE is a key factor in risk assessment, construction planning, and potential insurance pricing. The other important benefits include: 

• Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) Requests:
• While an Elevation Certificate does not change a property’s flood zone, it can be used as supporting documentation for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) request. A LOMA is a process through FEMA to revise a property’s official flood zone designation. If you’re buying a property in a high-risk flood zone with a federally backed loan, the lender will typically require flood insurance. However, if you believe your property is actually outside the high-risk zone despite the map designation, a LOMA, supported by an EC, can help challenge that designation.

Why it matters:

• If FEMA approves the LOMA, it may remove the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement, saving homeowners significant costs. This is often a key reason property owners pursue LOMAs.
• Insurance Impacts and Community Discounts:
• Elevation Certificates (ECs) can help demonstrate that a property complies with local floodplain management requirements, which may contribute to a community’s eligibility for FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) discounts. These discounts can benefit all policyholders in the community. Additionally, if your EC shows that your home is located several feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), it may support lower individual premiums, though this is not guaranteed. In some cases, the information in an EC may result in higher rates if it indicates elevated flood risk.

When Needed:

• High-risk flood areas and buying flood insurance: Knowing the BFE and how your property compares is crucial when purchasing flood insurance.
• Purchasing a new home: An EC helps understand the flood risk and potential insurance costs.
• Major property renovations: Significant changes to your property can affect its flood risk profile, necessitating an updated EC.

How to get an Elevation Certificate?

Check existing records

Before reaching out to professionals, check with your local floodplain manager or review property documents—previous owners may have obtained an EC. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, the developer may have already been required to purchase the EC.

Hire a professional 

If no existing certificate is available, hiring an architect, licensed surveyor, or engineer is necessary. These professionals can accurately determine the elevation around your home and complete the required forms.

Coordinate with authorities 

Ensure that your Elevation Certificate complies with local and federal regulations and is appropriately recorded to avoid any legal or insurance issues. 

When you do not have an EC, approach state-licensed personnel for the same. FEMA recommends you do the following: 

• Talk to your local building permit office.
• Talk to your state NFIP coordinator.
• Check with your state professional association for land surveyors. 

Elevation and First Floor Height: Reducing Your Flood Risk

Elevation benefits:

Raising your home’s structure above the BFE significantly reduces risk in the event of a major flood and can lower insurance premiums. This preventive measure is particularly beneficial in high-risk areas.

Construction tips:

If you’re building a new home or remodeling, consider elevating your structure. Proper planning and construction can prevent major flood damage.

Definition:

First-floor Height (FFH) refers to a building’s lowest floor elevation relative to the ground. FFH is crucial for assessing flood risk and determining insurance premiums in an elevation certificate.

Impact on insurance:

The height of your home’s first floor, relative to the BFE, is a crucial factor in assessing your flood insurance premiums. Higher elevations generally result in lower flood risk and, consequently, lower premiums. 

The key elements of an Elevation Certificate include – 

• Property information
• Elevation information
• Flood zone information 
• Surveyor’s certification

Conclusion

For substantial improvements or new constructions in high-risk areas, obtaining a new Elevation Certificate is necessary. This certificate can result in lower flood insurance premiums by demonstrating compliance with prescribed flood elevation standards. Your insurance agent will use the EC to compare your building’s elevation to the  flood map and calculate a risk-based premium for a flood insurance policy. Flood-risk assessment insurance and compliance are critical in safeguarding your property in the event of a flood and against depreciated property values. A flood Elevation Certificate proves your house is FEMA-compliant and supports seamless flood insurance management. 

Elevation Certificate FAQs 

How much does an Elevation Certificate cost? 

It costs around $600 on average. 

How long is an Elevation Certificate valid? 

An Elevation Certificate does not have an expiration date. However, it should be updated if significant changes are made to the property, such as alterations to the structure or changes in local floodplain regulations that could affect the building’s flood risk profile.

What information is included in an Elevation Certificate? 

The Elevation Certificate includes property information, elevation information, flood zone information, and surveyors’ certification.

Can I use an old Elevation Certificate for a new insurance policy? 

Elevation Certificates are typically specific to a particular property and are used to assess flood risk for insurance purposes.

How does an Elevation Certificate affect flood insurance premiums? 

An EC can significantly impact flood insurance premiums because it provides detailed information about a building’s elevation relative to the base flood elevation (BFE) in a flood zone.

Do I need an Elevation Certificate if I am not in a flood zone? 

While not typically required if your property is not in a designated flood zone, obtaining an Elevation Certificate can still be beneficial for accurately assessing flood risk and ensuring you’re adequately prepared or insured against potential flooding.

What is the difference between a flood certificate and an elevation certificate? 

A flood certificate simply identifies a property’s flood zone, while an Elevation Certificate provides detailed elevation data relative to the floodplain, which is crucial for setting insurance rates and assessing flood risk.

What should I do if my Elevation Certificate shows my property is at high risk? 

If your Elevation Certificate indicates that your property is at high risk for flooding, consider implementing flood-proofing measures such as elevating your home, installing flood barriers, or using waterproof materials. Additionally, ensure you have adequate flood insurance to protect against potential damages.

Can an Elevation Certificate help me sell my home? 

Yes, an Elevation Certificate can help sell your home by demonstrating to potential buyers that you have accurately assessed and disclosed the flood risk. It can also show that your property is compliant with local floodplain management ordinances, potentially making it more attractive to informed buyers.