Mean High Water Line Surveys
Mean High Water Line Surveys are essential to understanding the potential flood and high tide risks to your waterfront property. Lauster Land Survey has been serving the Tampa Bay area for many years, providing accurate and reliable surveys to ensure that the physical framework of our communities is defined accurately for all real estate and construction needs.
What is a Mean High Water Line Survey?
A Mean High Water Line (MHWL) Survey is a type of land survey that determines the average high tide level over a 19-year period. This is crucial information for property owners in the Tampa Bay Area, as it helps determine the boundary between private and public property. It’s also necessary for any new construction or significant alterations to existing structures, as well as for the issuance of an Elevation Certificate.
Why Are MHWL Surveys Important?
Understanding Flood Risks
In the Tampa Bay Area, where there are many waterfront properties, the risk of flooding is always present. A MHWL Survey helps property owners and government agencies better understand the potential flood risks of a property by identifying the areas that are most susceptible to flooding. With this information, you can take necessary precautions to protect your property from flood damage.
Understanding High Tide Risks
Apart from flooding, high tides can also pose a risk to waterfront properties. A MHWL Survey helps identify areas of your property that may be at risk of erosion, as well as areas that may be prone to wave action during high tides. With this knowledge, you can take necessary measures to protect your property from any potential damage.
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.
What is An Elevation Certificate, and Why Do You Need It?
An Elevation Certificate is a document that shows the elevation of a property’s lowest floor relative to the base flood elevation. It is an essential document for any property owner in the Tampa Bay Area as it is required for flood insurance, building permits, and property transactions. The MHWL Survey is a crucial component of the Elevation Certificate, as it helps determine the base flood elevation of the property.
How is a MHWL Survey Conducted?
At Lauster Land Survey, we use state-of-the-art equipment to conduct Mean High Water Line Surveys. Our surveyors will first identify the boundary between private and public property, which is typically the MHWL. We’ll then determine the average high tide level over a 19-year period by analyzing data from tide gauges and other sources. This information is then used to create a detailed report, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including obtaining an Elevation Certificate and understanding the flood and high tide risks of your property.
A Mean High Water Line Survey is a crucial survey for any waterfront property in the Tampa Bay Area. It helps determine the boundary between private and public property, identifies potential flood risks, and helps property owners understand the risks posed by high tides. If you are a property owner in the Tampa Bay Area, it’s essential to consider getting a MHWL Survey to protect your property and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, such as the Elevation Certificate, to comply with local regulations. Contact Lauster Land Survey today to schedule your MHWL Survey and take the first step in protecting your waterfront property.