Elevation Certificates
Elevation certificates are essential for property owners in the Tampa Bay Area. At Lauster Land Survey, we can help you with accurate information about a property’s elevation so you can protect yourself against flood risks.
What is an Elevation Certificate?
An elevation certificate is a document that provides information about the elevation of a property’s lowest level in relation to the base flood elevation (BFE) for the area. The certificate is created by a licensed surveyor or engineer who measures and records the elevation of the property.
Why are Elevation Certificates Important?
Elevation certificates are essential for property owners in the Tampa Bay Area for several reasons.
Obtaining Flood Insurance
If you live in a flood zone, you will need to obtain flood insurance to protect your property. However, to purchase flood insurance, you must have an elevation certificate. The certificate is used to determine the proper flood insurance premium rates for your property. Without the certificate, you may end up paying higher premiums or not having coverage at all.
Understanding Flood Risks
An elevation certificate provides critical information about a property’s flood risk. It shows the property’s elevation in relation to the BFE, which is the level at which floodwaters are expected to rise during a 100-year flood event. The certificate also includes information about the flood zone and the property’s proximity to water sources. With this information, property owners can make informed decisions about building and insurance coverage.
Lowering Flood Insurance Long Term
An elevation certificate can also help property owners lower their flood insurance premiums in the long term. If a property is found to be at a higher elevation than the BFE, the property owner may be eligible for lower flood insurance premiums. However, if the property is found to be at a lower elevation, the property owner may need to take measures to elevate the property to reduce the flood risk.
How to Obtain an Elevation Certificate?
To obtain an elevation certificate, you need to hire a licensed surveyor or engineer who is trained to measure and record elevation data. The surveyor will visit your property and take measurements of the lowest level of the building, the adjacent ground, and the BFE. They will also note any structures or features that may affect flood risk, such as drainage systems or nearby water sources.
Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will compile the data and create an elevation certificate for your property. The certificate will include information about the property’s elevation in relation to the BFE and any other relevant information about the flood risk.
Elevation certificates are essential for property owners in the Tampa Bay Area who want to protect their property from flood damage. If you need an elevation certificate for your property, contact us today to schedule a survey. Our experienced surveyors will provide you with accurate and reliable elevation data to help you make informed decisions about your property.