Property & Real Estate
Elevation Certificates
What elevation information does my insurer or permit office need?
Also called: flood elevation certificate, fema elevation certificate, or flood survey.
Understanding the work
An Elevation Certificate documents key building elevations — such as the lowest floor and nearby grades — compared to the base flood elevation for your area. Insurers use it to rate flood policies, and building departments use it to confirm compliance in mapped flood zones.
- Flood insurance
- Floodplain permits
- Building in a flood zone
Who it’s for
- Owners with flood insurance questions
- Builders and permit applicants
- Buyers of property in a flood zone
Typical work involved
- Confirming which form and construction stage is needed
- Measuring building and grade elevations from a benchmark
- Required photographs and FEMA form preparation
The result
What you’ll receive
- Completed FEMA Elevation Certificate
- Required building photographs
- Benchmark-referenced elevations
Common questions
What clients ask about this work
What is an Elevation Certificate?
It is a standardized form documenting specified building elevations and related information for some floodplain, permitting or insurance uses.
Does everyone in a flood zone need an Elevation Certificate?
No. Requirements vary. Ask your insurer, lender or floodplain administrator whether one is needed for your situation.
Can a survey change my FEMA flood zone?
A survey can provide elevation and location information for certain review requests; FEMA or the applicable authority makes map-change decisions.
What is a benchmark?
A benchmark is a reference point with an established elevation. Survey crews use suitable benchmarks and control to relate project measurements.
Scope, applicable standards, accuracy, deliverables, timing, and price are confirmed in writing for each project.