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Flood elevation certificates are used by FEMA to document whether a building in a high-risk flood zone meets elevation requirements. Anyone with a building in a flood zone should obtain a flood elevation certificate. The certificate describes the building and flood zone locations, the building’s characteristics, and the ground floor elevation.

Almost any home or business owner in a high-risk flood area should obtain a certificate. You can find out if you’re in a high-risk area by consulting with a professional surveyor, your insurance agency, or by assessing the Flood Insurance Rate Map provided by FEMA. A certificate is required if you want to obtain flood insurance coverage. However, if your building was constructed before the first flood map of your area was created, and you receive a subsidized flood insurance rate, you may be exempt from the certificate requirement. 

flood elevation certificate Insurance agents use the data on the certificate to compare the elevation of your building with the Base Flood Elevation in the area, which helps them predict your property’s flood risk. The comparison will factor into the cost of your flood insurance premium. The higher your home sits above the base flood elevation, the lower the premium will be. 

You’ll need to update the certificate if you make any significant changes to your home, such as a home addition or extensive remodel, since the certificate details lowest-floor elevation and building characteristics. You may also need to get a new certificate if FEMA releases a revised Flood Insurance Rate Map. A professional surveyor can tell you whether you need to renew the license. 

 

For help obtaining a flood elevation certificate, certified survey map, or other property documentation, contact Ferguson & Foss Professional Land Surveyors. Based in Johnstown, NY, they’re the area’s most trusted experts in residential and commercial property surveys. Call (518) 762-9997 to speak with a knowledgeable team member today. Or, visit the website to learn more about their services.  

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