0. Unit 10: Elevation Certificates

1. Objectives At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
Describe the information recorded on the Elevation Certificate.
Explain how the Elevation Certificate is used in floodplain management.
Identify common questions and issues related to the Elevation Certificate.

2. Elevation Certificate Roles
NFIP administrative tool for:
Community compliance
Building elevation certification
Policy rating
Map revision/ amendment support

3. Elevation Certificate Form
Refer to the Elevation Certificate and Instructions in the Forms Appendix.
Instructions detail how to complete each section.
Why is the elevation certificate important to you?
In-class activity

4. Elevation Certificate Contents
Provides detailed, thorough instructions.
Requests latitude and longitude.
Includes a comprehensive FIRM information section.
Provides building elevation information:
Detailed building diagrams
Multiple building elevations
Lowest floor (former reference level) no longer required of the certifier (architect, engineer, surveyor).

5. Elevation Certificate Questions
Why is it important to establish BFEs?
How does the Elevation Certificate assist the agent to rate a property?
Who is qualified to certify elevations for most zones in the Special Flood Hazard Area?
How does a surveyor or agent identify an SFHA?
Do all buildings in the SFHA need an Elevation Certificate?
Does the NFIP mandate using an Elevation Certificate to meet program requirements?
In-class activity

6. Pre- or Post-FIRM 12/31/74 Pre-FIRM Post-FIRM
On or before 12/31/74 or the initial FIRM date, whichever is later
After and on or after the initial FIRM date

7. Role in Policy Rating Used to rate policies in zones:  A1 – A30  VE
 AE  V1 – V30
 AH, AO, AR, A99  V (with BFE)
 A (with BFE)  D
 B, D, X
Required for buildings constructed:
Post-FIRM (after 12/31/74 or original FIRM date, whichever is later)
Pre-FIRM (but rated under Post-FIRM rules)

8. Pre-FIRM: Elevated

9. Pre-FIRM: Non-Elevated

10. Role in Zone Disputes Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA):
Pre-FIRM conditions identified in SFHA by providing additional data.
Letter of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F):
Post-FIRM conditions resulting from changes to SFHAs by permitted alterations (fill) to sites.

11. Ordering Information
For current FIRMs and the “Guide to Flood Maps,” contact FEMA at:
, or
and click on “FEMA Flood Map Store.” FIRMS are provided online.

12. Elevation Certificate Sections
Refer again to the Elevation Certificate in the Forms Appendix.
Note that sections are designated from A to G.
Some sections are completed before construction begins, some during construction, and some after construction ends.
We will review the contents and highlights of each section.
In-class activity

13. Elevation Certificate, FF 81-31

14. Section A: Property Owner Information
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
Important: Read the instructions on pages
SECTION A - PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION
For Insurance Company Use:
BUILDING OWNER’S NAME
Policy Number
BUILDING STREET ADDRESS (Including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) OR P.O. ROUTE AND BOX NO.
Company NAIC Number
CITY STATE ZIP CODE
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION (Lot and Block Numbers, Tax Parcel Number, Legal Description, etc.)
BUILDING USE (e.g., Residential, Non-residential, Addition, Accessory, etc. Use comments section if necessary.)
LATITUDE/ LONGITUDE (OPTIONAL)
( ## o
- ##’ - ##.###” or ##.##### )
O.M.B. No
Expires July 31, 2002
SOURCE:
|__| GPS (Type:___________________________________)
|__| USGS Quad Map
|__| Other:____________________

15. Section A Highlights Property description Building use
Latitude/longitude
Horizontal datum

16. Section B: FIRM Information

17. Information From FIRM

18. BFE From Flood Profiles

19. Section C: Building Elevation Information
All machinery and/or equipment such as furnaces, hot water heaters, heat pumps, a/c, and elevators, etc., installed and the grading around the building is completed.
Finished Grade

20. When To Use Section C
Must be completed if the Elevation Certificate is used to support a LOMA or LOMR-F
Not required for Zone AO
Not required for Zone A (without BFE)

21. Highest/Lowest Adjacent Grade
Highest Adjacent Grade (HAG):
Prior to construction: Highest grade next to the proposed walls of a structure.
If no BFE, use highest adjacent natural grade.
Law/ordinance elevation requirements met?
Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG):
After completion of construction: Lowest (finished) grade next to building walls.
Is a Letter of Map Change needed?

22. Section C Highlights Building elevation information.
Reference level determination has been removed.
Building diagram selection.
Certifier must sign in the block, over the seal, and date.

23. Elevation by Building Type

24. Section D: Certification

25. Section D Highlights
Surveyor, engineer, or architect certified Sections A, B, and C information.
Comments section included.
Property address validated.
Certifier must sign and date.

26. Section E: Elevations Without Survey
Natural Grade
Machinery

27. Section F: Owner’s Certification

28. Sections E and F Highlights
Section E
A Zone with no BFE
AO Zone
Building type
Elevation difference
Utilities
Section F
Property owner information
Completed by property owner or representative

29. Section G: Community Information
Check here if attachments
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.
G1.
The information in Section C was taken from other documentation that has been signed and embossed by a licensed surveyor,
engineer, or architect who is authorized by state or local law to certify elevation information.
G2.
A community official completed Section E for a building located in Zone A (without a FEMA-issued or
community-issued BFE) or
Zone AO.
G3.
The following information (Items G4-G9) 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
___ __
ft.(m)
Datum:
_____________
G9. BFE or (in Zone AO) depth of flooding at the building site is:
___
___
ft.(m)
Datum:
_____________
LOCAL OFFICIAL’S NAME
TITLE
COMMUNITY NAME
TELEPHONE
SIGNATURE
DATE
COMMENTS
Check here if attachments

30. Important Points
Verify all data in the field for accuracy prior to issuing the Certificate of Completion—data must match the finished structure.
“NA” should be in all non-applicable data fields.
Certifier’s seal, signature, and date must be in Section C; signature and date in Section D.

31. Important Points
Copies or faxes are not acceptable as originals. Insist on 2-sided EC with signatures in other than black ink.
Do not alter the EC in any way, even for minor changes.
If completing Section G, use a separate EC and attach the certified EC.

32. Building Diagrams

33. Activity: Elevations
The following examples of houses have elevation points marked.
For each point marked, choose the C3 letter that matches the location.
Use the Building Diagram as a reference.
The class will review and discuss each example in turn.
In-class activity

34. Slab-on-Grade

35. With Basement

36. Split-Level Below Grounda b

37. Elevated Building—Free From Obstructions
(V-Zones only)

38. Walkout Enclosure b a f g

39. Activity: Which Building Diagram?
The following photos show different types of building structures.
Refer to the Building Diagrams on pages 6-7 of the Elevation Certificate Instructions.
Choose the diagram that matches the building in the photo.
The class will review and discuss each example in turn.
In-class activity

40. Which Diagram Do You Use?

41. Which Diagram Do You Use?

42. Which Diagram Do You Use?
Enclosure
Diagram 6

43. Which Diagram Do You Use?

44. How can you use the Elevation Certificate as a management tool?