Elevation Certificates

An Elevation Certificate is an official document prepared by a licensed land surveyor that provides critical elevation data for a structure relative to the base flood elevation (BFE) established by FEMA. This document is used by property owners, insurance companies, and local governments to determine flood insurance requirements, set premiums, and confirm compliance with floodplain management regulations.

Why You May Need an Elevation Certificate

If your property is located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), an Elevation Certificate may be required to:

  • Obtain or renew flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
  • Determine your property's risk and appropriate flood zone designation
  • Verify compliance with local floodplain development regulations
  • Support requests to change or remove flood zone designations (LOMA/LOMR)

What’s Included in an Elevation Certificate?

The certificate includes important data such as:

  • Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
  • Elevation of the building's lowest floor
  • Ground elevations around the structure
  • Flood zone designation (e.g., Zone A, AE, X)
  • Building type and foundation details
  • Photographs of the structure and surrounding area

This information is gathered through a combination of field survey data, FEMA maps, and elevation benchmarks.

Who Uses Elevation Certificates?

Elevation Certificates are commonly used by:

  • Homeowners and property buyers
  • Insurance agents and underwriters
  • Real estate professionals
  • Engineers and architects
  • City and county floodplain administrators

How Alliance Land Surveyors Can Help

At Alliance Land Surveyors, we provide fast, accurate Elevation Certificates that meet FEMA and NFIP guidelines. Our team has experience working with residential, commercial, and agricultural properties in regulated flood zones. We’ll help you understand your flood risk and provide the documentation needed to move forward with insurance, permitting, or appeals.

Need help verifying your flood zone? Visit the official FEMA Map Service Center:
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

Get a Free Quote

Call us today at (210) 369-9509 or email orders@alliancelandsurveyors.com to request a free estimate or schedule your Elevation Certificate.

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