The National Flood Insurance Program mandates that new flood insurance policies must include an elevation certificate. Similarly, any construction project requires the submission of an elevation certificate to the North Carolina Emergency Management Division. A licensed surveyor must complete this elevation certificate.

For Charlotte, as well as all of North Carolina, elevation certificates are essential and can be obtained from a surveyor who holds a valid license in the local area.

Reasons to get an elevation certificate

Flood Insurance

In order to obtain flood insurance coverage, it is typically necessary to have an Elevation Certificate. This certificate is crucial as it contains pertinent information about the property, including the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The BFE is an important factor in determining the level of flood risk associated with the property and is used to calculate the rates for flood insurance. Therefore, obtaining an Elevation Certificate is essential when seeking flood insurance coverage.

Building Permit

According to the regulations set by Charlotte, all property owners are obligated to furnish an Elevation Certificate whenever they submit an application for a building permit, particularly if their property falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Property Sale and Disclosure

An Elevation Certificate can furnish potential buyers in Charlotte with significant and useful information.

What is an Elevation Certificate?

An elevation certificate is a legal document that is prepared by a professional surveyor and serves to provide detailed information about the elevation of a particular property. This information is vital in evaluating and ascertaining the potential risks of flooding for that specific property.

Insurance companies often require an elevation certificate so as to accurately determine the appropriate premiums for flood insurance coverage. In certain cases, having flood insurance may not only be recommended but could also be mandatory, particularly if the property is located within designated flood zones determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The elevation certificate aids the insurance company in accurately calculating the appropriate coverage and associated costs.

During the surveying process, the surveyor undertakes measurements of various crucial elements such as the height of the property’s floor, foundation, and other significant points. These measurements are then compared to nearby water sources, the risk of flooding, and the elevation of potential flood levels. The surveyor then utilizes this information to create a detailed and comprehensive map that highlights the property’s elevation in relation to the officially designated flood zones set by the government.

To access the flood zone map that encompasses Charlotte and the entirety of North Carolina, you can click on this link. This map not only offers an overview of all flood zone codes but also serves as a helpful tool to acquire further information regarding your specific property.

To obtain your official elevation certificate, get in touch with Charlotte Surveyor Group. We will ensure accurate measurements and assessment of your property’s elevation.