Elevation certificates,
explained.

What an elevation certificate is

A FEMA Elevation Certificate is a standardized form that documents the elevation of a building relative to the base flood elevation (BFE) on the effective flood map. Insurers use it to rate flood policies accurately, lenders use it to satisfy federal requirements, and parish floodplain administrators use it for permitting. Only a licensed land surveyor, engineer or architect can complete one.

When you need one

• Your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A, AE or V) and a lender or insurer requires documentation
• You are building new construction or substantially improving a structure in a mapped floodplain
• Your flood premium seems too high and you want it re-rated on actual elevations
• You believe your structure stands above the base flood elevation and want it removed from the flood zone

LOMA and LOMR: getting out of the zone

If the elevation survey shows your structure or lot sits at or above the base flood elevation, we can prepare a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) filing with FEMA. A successful determination removes the property from the mapped Special Flood Hazard Area, which can reduce or eliminate the mandatory flood insurance requirement. Our staff includes Certified Floodplain Managers who handle these filings start to finish.

How it works

1. Call or request a quote. We confirm the flood zone, panel and what your insurer or parish needs.
2. Field measurement. A crew measures the structure and grade elevations against the vertical datum.
3. Certification. A licensed surveyor completes, signs and seals the FEMA form.
4. Delivery and filing. You and your insurer get the certificate; if the numbers support it, we file the LOMA.

Useful references

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center · look up the effective flood map for any address
• FEMA flood maps and products · background on zones, BFEs and map changes
• FloodSmart / National Flood Insurance Program · how flood policies are rated