Smith-Roberts National Corp. ( http://www.smith-roberts.com ) is a nationwide ALTA Land Survey coordinator and the originator of the DesignReady Survey®. Elevation Certificates is a standard form produced by FEMA that collects elevation information in reference to a specific site. A Land Surveyor will be responsible for collecting elevation information from a field survey and filling out the form. This information is used to determine the likelihood of a piece of property to sustain damage due to a flood. Once received the form is then used by the insurance industry to rate the cost or necessity for Flood Insurance.

1. Flood Elevation Certificates<br />According to FEMA “Flood zones are geographic areas that the FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.”<br />Elevation Certificates is a standard form produced by FEMA that collects elevation information in reference to a specific site. A Land Surveyor will be responsible for collecting elevation information from a field survey and filling out the form. This information is used to determine the likelihood of a piece of property to sustain damage due to a flood. Once received the form is then used by the insurance industry to rate the cost or necessity for Flood Insurance. Also builders can use this form to obtain to use to obtain building permits.<br />Property owners can use elevation certificates to support a request to FEMA for a Letter Of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter Of Map Revision (LOMR) to remove a building from a SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Areas).<br />Flood Zone Determination<br />At Smith Roberts we use the most current FEMA Flood Insurance rate map to determine if any portion of the subject property is shown to lie in any of the special flood hazard areas as designated on the map. Many commercial clients require elevation certificates quickly - when the purchase of flood insurance is required for loan closings. Call today 800-411-2010 or email questions to: info@smith-roberts.com.<br />