Land records · Parcel maps · October 5, 2026
What Is an Elevation Certificate? Flood Records
An elevation certificate is a FEMA form showing a building's elevations compared with the flood level. Who prepares it, what it shows, and how it is used.
What is an elevation certificate? An elevation certificate is a standardized FEMA form that records a building’s key elevations, such as the lowest floor and the ground next to the building, and compares them with the flood level shown on the flood map for that location. It is prepared by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect. Lenders, insurers, floodplain administrators, and FEMA use it for insurance rating, map amendments, and building code compliance. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What the certificate shows
| Section | Information |
|---|---|
| Property information | Owner, address, legal description, building use, latitude and longitude |
| Flood map information | Community, map panel, flood zone, base flood elevation (BFE) |
| Building elevations | Top of bottom floor, next higher floor, lowest adjacent grade, highest adjacent grade, machinery and equipment |
| Building features | Diagram number, crawlspace and garage details, flood openings |
| Certification | Surveyor, engineer, or architect signature and seal |
The base flood elevation is the elevation floodwater is expected to reach in a flood with a 1 percent chance of happening in any given year. See how to read a FEMA flood map.
Who needs one
- New construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area, where many communities require certificates at the foundation stage and at completion.
- Owners seeking a map amendment, since elevation data supports a Letter of Map Amendment.
- Owners buying flood insurance who want to show the building sits above the flood level, which may help with pricing.
- Substantial improvements to buildings in the floodplain.
Where to find an existing certificate
Before paying for a new survey, check whether one already exists:
- Ask the local floodplain administrator, often in the building, planning, or engineering department. Many keep certificates for permits issued in flood zones.
- Check closing documents from when you bought the home.
- Ask the previous owner or their insurance agent.
- Search the county or city website; some post certificates online.
How to get a new one
Hire a licensed land surveyor familiar with flood work. They locate a benchmark, measure building elevations, determine the flood zone and BFE, and complete the form. Cost depends on location, access, and whether a BFE must be estimated in an unnumbered Zone A. Turnaround is often a few days to a few weeks.
Elevation certificates and flood insurance
Under FEMA’s current National Flood Insurance Program rating approach, an elevation certificate is often optional, but providing one can lower premiums when a building sits well above the flood level. Private flood insurers may also consider it.
How it relates to parcel maps
A parcel viewer can show whether a lot touches a mapped flood zone, but it cannot tell you the building’s elevation. See how to find flood zone by address and floodplain vs floodway. The elevation certificate fills that gap with measured numbers.
Bottom line
An elevation certificate is a FEMA form, prepared by a licensed professional, that compares a building’s measured elevations with the mapped flood level. It supports flood insurance pricing, map amendments, and permit compliance. Ask your floodplain administrator for an existing copy first. Check flood layers and parcels on the Platbookmapper map.
What is an elevation certificate FAQ
What is an elevation certificate used for?
Flood insurance rating, map amendment requests, and floodplain building compliance.
Who can complete an elevation certificate?
A licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect authorized by state law.
How do I find an existing elevation certificate?
Ask the local floodplain administrator, check closing documents, or ask the prior owner.
Is an elevation certificate required for flood insurance?
It is often optional under current NFIP rating but can lower premiums.
Does a parcel map show building elevation?
No. It shows mapped zones; the certificate provides measured elevations.