The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires an Elevation Certificate (EC) for buildings in high-risk areas to help determine flood risk and cost of insurance. You may need an EC to assure compliance with local ordinances or to support your efforts for an amendment in the event the building is not in a floodplain. If you are seeking flood insurance, it is essential to know how to get an EC and when they are required.
How to get an Elevation Certificate
First, contact your local government or floodplain manager to see if elevation information or a certificate is already available for your building. You could also talk to the seller, developer, or builder if they have the certificate or know where it can be found. If no certificate is currently available, you look for a flood elevation certificate surveyor near me and remember; it is crucial to find a properly certified surveyor
When to get an Elevation Certificate
In general, an EC is required if your loan is financed or insured by an entity that is federally regulated. It may also be needed if your flood insurance is backed by NFIP or if FEMA determines that your building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain). If your lender requires flood insurance, but you believe your building is not in a high-risk area, an EC could help eliminate the need for flood insurance.
Flood insurance is essential when it is relevant, and an EC, conducted by a properly certified surveyor, can help with that determination. Knowing how and when to get an EC can make the process go more smoothly. If a flood occurs and your building is affected because the EC helped determine the relevance of flood insurance, you can have protection.
