FEMA-EC990427FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
AND
INSTRUCTIONS
I~APERWOIIK BUI~I)EN DISCLOSURE NO'I'ICE
GENERAl.- This infi~rmation is provided pursuant to Public I~aw 96-51 I, (The Paperwork Reduction
Actor 1980, as amended), dated l)ecember I 1, 1980, to allow the public to participate more fully and
meaningfully in tile I"ederal paperwork review process.
AUTttORITY ~ Public l,aw 96-511, amended; 44 U.S.C. 3507; and 5 CI"R 1320
I)ISCLOSU lt, E OF BUIII)KN - Public reporting burden for the collection of infi~rmation entitled
Post-Construction l';levation Certificate/l"loodproofi ng Certificate" (I"EM A l"orm 8 ! ~31 and 8 !-65) is
estimated to average 12 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing anti
reviewing the forms. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any aspect of the collection,
including suggestions for reducing tile burden, to: Information Collections Management, I"ederal
l']mergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, S.W. 20472; and to the Office of Management and
Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (3067-0077), Washington, I).C. 20503.
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE o.,,,,.,,
Expires May 31, I993
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
A'I-rENTION: Use of this certificate does not provide a waiver of the flood insurance purchase requirement. This form is used only !o
provide elevation inlormation necessary to ensure compliance with applicable community floodplain management ordinances, to
determine the proper"insurance premium rate, and/or to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment or Revision (LOMA or LOMR).
Instructions for completing this form can be found on the following pages.
SECTION A PROPERTY INFORMATION FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
POLICY NUMBER
COMPANY NAIC NUMBER
BUILDING OWNER'S NAME
B/L,TA,t O/2__-~-
STREET ADDRESS (Including Apt,. Unit, Suile and/or Oldg. Number) OR P.O, ROUTE AND BOX NUMBER
OTHEFI DESCRIPTION (Lot and Block Numbers,
CItY STATE ZIP CODE
SECTION B FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION
Provide the following from the proper FIRM (See Instructions):
7. Indicate the elevation datum system used on the FIRM for Base Flood Elevations (BFE): ,~NGVD '2g I~_~ Other (describe on back)
8. For Zones A or V, where no BFE is provided on the FIRM, and the community has established a BFE for this building site, indicate
the community's BFE: L_J J J_J_J.L_J feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-seo Section B, Item 7).
SECTION C BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION
1. Using the Elevation Certificate Instructions, indicate the diagram number from the diagrams found on 'Pages 5 and 6 that best
V/2
describes the subject building's reference level ~_
a). FIRM Zones Al-A30, AE, AH, and A (with BFE). The top of tile reference level floor from the selected diagram is at an elevation
cfi J J4'J~L~J .J~J feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see Section B, Item 7).
b). FIRM Zones Vl-V30, VE, and V (with BFE). The bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the reference level from
the selected diagram, is at an elevation of [_~_._J~_J_J_~ .L._J feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see Section B, Item 7).
c). FIRM Zone A (without BFE). The floor used as the reference level from the selected diagram is [__L_J .I._J feet above L-_] or
below [] (check one) the highest grade adjacent to the building.
d). FIRM Zone AC. The floor used as the reference level from the selected diagram is [_J_._l .L_J feet above J~] or below E~ (ch.eck
one) the highest grade adjacent to the building. If no flood depth number is available, is the building's lowest floor (reference
level) elevated in accordance with the community's floodplain management ordinance? [_~ Yes [__-] No ~.F~'_] Unknown
3. Indicate the elevation datum system used in determining the above reference level elevations:/J~NGVD '29 [] Other (describe
under Comments on Page 2). (NOTE: If the elevation datum used in measuring the elevations is different than that used on.
the FIRM [see Section B, Ilem 7], then convert the elevations to the datum system used on the FIRM and show the conversion
equation under Comments on Page 2.)
4. Elevation reference mark used appears on FIRM:/~ Yes (ii~J No (See Instructions. on Page 4)
5. The reference level elevation is based on: ~ actual construction Jill construction drawings ,j~
NOTE: Use of construction drawings is only valid if the building does not yet have the referer~ce level floor in place, in which
case this certificate will only be valid for the building during the course of construction. A post-construction Elevation Certificate
will be required once construction is complete.)
6. The elevation of the lowest grade immediately adjacent to the building is: J_ J ~l~l .t_.~_ feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see
Section B, Item 7).
SECTION D COMMUNITY INFORMATION
1. If the com,,,m, unity offic ,a, responsible for verify ng bu ding elevations specifies that the reference level indicated in Section C, Item 1
is not the'lowest floor as defined in the community's floodplain management ordinance, the-elevatiorrof-thebuilding's'Z'J0wesf ........
floor" as defined by the ordinance is: L_I~__L.]__I .[_J feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see Section B, Item 7).
2. Date of the start of construction or substantial improvement ___~_r- '~. _~_.%.~-~ ........
FEMA Form 81-31~ MAY 90 REPLACES ALt PREVIOLJS EDIIIONS SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CONTINUATION
THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
PURPOSE OF THE ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
The Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
As part of the agreement for making flood insurance available in a community, the NFIP requires the community to adopt a floodplain
management ordinance containing certain minimum requirements intended to reduce future flood losses. One such requirement is that
the community "obtain the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved structures, and maintain
a record of all such information." The Elevation Certificate is one way for a community to comply with this requirement.
The Elevation Certificate is also required to properly rate post-FIRM structures, which are buildings constructed after publication of the
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), for flood insurance in FIRM Zones Al-A30, AE, AO, AH, A (with Base Flood Elevations [BFE's]),
V1-V30, VE, and V (with BFE's). In addition, the Elevation Certificate is also needed for pre-FIRM structures being rated under post-FIRM
flood insurance rules.
Use of this certificate does not in any way alter the flood insurance purchase requirement. The Elevation Certificate is only used to provide
information necessary to ensure compliance with applicable community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper flood
insurance premium rate, and/or to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment or Revision (LOMA or LOMR). Only a LOMA or
LOMR from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can amend the FIRM and remove the Federal requirement for a
lending institution to require the purchase of flood insurance. Note that the lending institution may still require flood insurance.
This certificate is only used to certify the elevation of the reference level of a building. If a non-residential building is being floodproofed,
then a Floodproofing Certificate must be completed in addition to certifying the building's elevation. Floodproofing of a residential building
does not alter a community's floodplain management elevation requirements or affect the insurance rating unless the community has been
issued an exception by FEMA to allow floodproofed residential basements.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
The Elevation Certificate is to be completed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by state or local law to certify
elevation information when the elevation information for Zones Al-A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE's), V1-V30, VE, and V (with BFE's} is
required. Community officials who are authorized by local law or ordinance to provide floodplain management information may also
complete this form. For Zones AO and A (without BFE's), a building official, a property owner, or an owner's representative may also
provide the information on this certification.
SECTION A Property Information
The Elevation Certificate identifies the building, its owner and its location. Provide the building owner's name(s), the building's complete
street address, and lot and block number. If the property address is a rural route or PO box number, provide a legal description or an
abbreviated location description based on distance from a reference point.
SECTION B Flood Insurance Rate Map Information
In order to properly complete the Elevation Certificate, it is necessary to locate the building on the appropriate FIRM, and record the
appropriate information. To obtain a FIRM, contact the community or call 1-800-333-1363.
The Elevation Certificate may be completed based on either the FIRM in effect at the time of the certification or the FIRM in effect when
construction of the building was started.
Items 1 - 6. Using the FIRM Index and the appropriate FIRM panel for the community, record the community number, panel (or page)
number, suffix, and Index date. From the appropriate FIRM panel, locate the property and record the zone and the BFE (or flood depth
number) at the building site. BFE's are shown on a FIRM for Zones Al-A30, AE, AH, VI-V30, and VE; flood depth numbers are shown
for Zone AO.
Item 7. Record the vedical datum system to which the elevations on the applicable FIRM are referenced. The datum is specified in the
upper right corner of the title block of the FIRM.
Item 8. In A or V Zones where BFE's are not provided on the FIRM, the community may have established BFE's based on data from other
sources. For subdivisions and other development greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, establishment of BFE's is required by community
floodplain management ordinance. When this is the case, complete this item. ' ......... :-' -
Page 3
SECTION C Building Elevation Information
Item 1. The Elevation Certificate uses a building's reference level as the point for measuring its elevation. Pages 5 and 6 of this Elevation
Certificate package contain a series of eight diagrams of various building types that are to be used tO help determine the reference level.
Choose the diagram that best represents this building, record the diagram number, and use the indicated reference level to measure the
elevation as requested in Items 2a-d.
Item 2. Depending on the property location's FIRM Zone, complete Item 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d. Use the reference level shown in the
appropriate building diagram as the point of measurement. As shown in the diagram on the back of the Certificate, for all A Zones, the
elevation should be measured at the top of the reference level floor. For all V Zones, the elevation should be measured at the bottom of
the lowest horizontal structural member of the reference level floor. Reporting of elevations in Items 2a and 2b should be to the nearest
tenth of a foot, or alternatively, unless prohibited by state or local ordinance, the reference level elevation may be "rounded down" to the
nearest whole foot ("rounding up" is prohibited).
Item 2(a). For structures located in FIRM Zones Al-A30, AE, AH, and A (with BFE's), record the elevation (to the nearest tenth of a foot)
of the top of the floor identified as the reference level in the applicable diagram.
Item 2(b). For structures located in FIRM Zones V1-V30, VE, and V (with BFE's), record the elevation (to the nearest tenth of a foot) of the
bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the floor identified as the reference level in the applicable diagram.
Item 2(c). For structures located in FIRM Zone A (without BFE's), record the height (to the nearest tenth of a foot) of the top of the floor
indicated as the reference level (from the applicable diagram) above or below the highest adjacent grade immediately next to the building.
Item 2(d). For structures located in FIRM Zone AO, the FIRM will show the base flood depth. For locations in FIRM Zone AO record the
height (to the nearest tenth of a foot) of the top of the floor identified as the reference level (from the applicable diagram) above or below
the highest adjacent grade immediately next to the building. For post-FIRM buildings, the community's floodplain management ordinance
requires that this value equal or exceed the base flood depth provided on the FIRM. For those few communities where this base flood
depth is not available, the community will need to determine if the lowest floor is elevated in accordance with their floodplain management
ordinance.
Item 3. Record the vertical datum system used in identifying the reference level elevations for all buildings. If the datum used in measuring
the elevations is different than that used on the FIRM, then convert the elevations in Items 2a-d to the datum used on the FIRM, and show
the conversion equation under the Comments section on Page 2.
Item 4. Indicate if the elevation reference mark used appears on the FIRM. Reference marks other than those shown on the FIRM may be
used for elevation determinations. In areas experiencing ground subsidence, the most recently adjusted reference mark elevations must
be used for reference level elevation determinations.
Item 5. Indicate if the reference level used in making the elevation measurement is based on actual construction or construction drawings.
Construction drawings should only be used if the building does not yet have the reference level floor in place, in which case the Elevation
Certificate will only be valid for the building during the course of construction. A post-construction Elevation Certificate will be needed once
construction is complete.
Item 6. Record the elevation measurement of the lowest grade adjacent to the building (to the nearest tenth of a foot). Adjacent grade is
defined as the elevation of the ground, sidewalk, patio, deck support, or basement entryway immediately next to the structure. This
measurement should be to the nearest tenth of a foot if this Certificate is being used to support a request for a LOMNLOMR.
SECTION D Community Information
Completion of this section may be required by the community in order to meet the minimum floodplain management requirements of the
NFIP. Otherwise, completion of this section is not required.
Item 1. The community's floodplain management ordinance requires elevation of the building's "lowest floor" above the BFE. For the vast
majority of building types, the reference level and the lowest floor will be the same. If the community determines that there is a
discrepancy, record the elevation of the lowest floor.
Item 2. Enter date. These terms are defined by local ordinance.
SECTION E Certification
Complete as indicated. The Elevation Certificate may only be signed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by state
or local law to certify elevation information when the elevation information for Zones A1 -A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE's), Vl-V30, VE, and V
with BFE's) is required. Community officials who are authorized by local law or ordinance to provide floodplain management information
may also sign this certification. In the case of Zones AO and A (without BFE's), a building official, a property owner, or an owner's
representative may sign this certification.
Certification is normally to the information provided in Sections B and C. If the certifier is unable to certify to the selection of reference level
diagram 6, 7 or 8 (SeCtioh C, Item 1 ), e.g., becau~(J of difficulty in obtaining constr~'Ction Or~b-ui|ding Use-information~nee~e-~l't° dete?min~
the Distinguishing Feature(s), the certifier must list the Feature(s) excluded from the certification under Comments on Page 2. The
diagram number used for the Reference level must still be entered in Section C, Item 1.
Page 4
INSTRUCTIONS
The following 8 diagrams contain descriptions of various types of buildings. Compare the features of your building with those shown in
the diagrams and select the diagram most applicable. Indicate the diagram number on the Elevation Certificate (Section C, Item 1) and
complete the Certificate, The reference level floor is that level of the building used for underwriting purposes.
NOTE: In all A Zones, the reference level is the top ol the lowest floor; in V Zones the relerence level is the bottom of the lowest horizontal
structural member (see diagram on page 2). Agenls should refer to the Flood Insurance Manual for instruction on lowest floor definition.
DIAGRAM NUMBER I
ALL SINGLE AND MULTIPLE FLOOR BUILDINGS (OTHER
THAN SPLIT LEVEL), INCLUDING MANUFACTURED (MOBILE)
HOUSING AND HIGH RISE BUILDINGS, EITHER DETACHED OR
ROW TYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSE, ETC.); WITH OR WITHOUT
ATTACHED GARAGE.
Distinguishing Feature - The first floor is not below ground level (grade) on
all sides'. This includes "walkout" basements, where at least one side is at or
above grade. (Not illustraled)
HIGHER FLOORS
IF ANY)
DE
REFERENCE
LEVEL
TOP OF FLOOR)
DIAGRAM NUMBER 2
ALL SINGLE AND MULTIPLE FLOOR BUILDINGS (OTHER THAN
SPLIT LEVEL), INCLUDING MANUFACTURED (MOBILE)
HOUSING AND HIGH RISE BUILDINGS, EITHER DETACHED OR
ROW TYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSES, ETC.); WITH OR WITHOUT
AR'ACHED GARAGE.
Distinguishing Fealure - The first floor or basement (including an
underground garage*) is below ground level (grade) on all sides*.
HIGHER FLOORS
IF ANY)
REFERENCE 1
LEVEL I
TOP OF BASEMENT FLOOR ') J
DIAGRAM NUMBER 3
ALL SPLIT LEVEL BUILDINGS, EITHER DETACHED OR ROW
TYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSES, ETC.); WITH OR WITHOUT
ATTACHED GARAGE.
Distinguishing Feature - The lower level is not below ground level (grade) on
all sides*. This includes "walkour' basements, where at least one side is at or
above grade.
HIGHER FLOORS
IF ANY)
UPPER LEVEL
GRADE
LOWER LEVEL
REFERENCE
LEVEL
TOP OF FLOOR}
HIGHER FLOORS
IF ANY)
GRADEINTERMEDIATE LEVELDIAGRAMNUMBER
4 ALLSPLITLEVELBUILDINGS, EITHERDETACHED
ORROWTYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSES, ETC.); WITHORWITHOUTATTACHEDGARAGE.DistinguishingFeature - Thelowerlevel (orintermediatelevel) isbelowgroundlevel (grade) onallsides*,HIGHERFLOORSHIGHERFLOORSIFANY) (IFANY)GRADEUPPERLEVELLOWERLEVELGRADEINTERMEDIATELEVEL