Fillable Form 053 FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM ELEVATION CERTIFICATE

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Form 053 FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM ELEVATION CERTIFICATE

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NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
INSTRUCTIONS
AND
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
2015 EDITION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Flood Insurance Program
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE AND INSTRUCTIONS
Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 3.75 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is
displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the
burden to: Information Collections Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA 20598-3005, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0008). NOTE: Do not send your
completed form to this address.
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: Title 44 CFR § 61.7 and 61.8.
Principal Purpose(s): This information is being collected for the primary purpose of estimating the risk premium rates necessary
to provide flood insurance for new or substantially improved structures in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Routine Use(s): The information on this form may be disclosed as generally permitted under 5 U.S.C. § 552a(b) of the Privacy Act
of 1974, as amended. This includes using this information as necessary and authorized by the routine uses published in DHS/
FEMA-003 – National Flood Insurance Program Files System or Records Notice 73 Fed. Reg. 77747 (December 19, 2008); DHS/
FEMA/NFIP/LOMA-1 – National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) System of Records Notice 71
Fed. Reg. 7990 (February 15, 2006); and upon written request, written consent, by agreement, or as required by law.
Disclosure: The disclosure of information on this form is voluntary; however, failure to provide the information requested may
result in the inability to obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or the applicant may be subject to
higher premium rates for flood insurance. Information will only be released as permitted by law.
Purpose of the Elevation Certificate
The Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is to be used to
provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, to determine
the proper insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision
based on fill (LOMR-F).
The Elevation Certificate is required in order to properly rate Post-FIRM buildings, which are buildings constructed after publication
of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), located in flood insurance Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1–V30, V (with
BFE), AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO. The Elevation Certificate is not required for Pre-FIRM buildings unless
the building is being rated under the optional Post-FIRM flood insurance rules.
As part of the agreement for making flood insurance available in a community, the
NFIP requires the community to adopt floodplain
management regulations that specify minimum requirements for reducing flood losses. One such requirement is for the community
to obtain the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved buildings, and maintain a
record of such information. The Elevation Certificate provides a way for a community to document compliance with the community's
floodplain management ordinance.
Use of this certificate does not provide a waiver of the flood insurance purchase requirement. Only a LOMA or LOMR-F from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can amend the FIRM and remove the Federal mandate for a lending institution
to require the purchase of flood insurance. However, the lending institution has the option of requiring flood insurance even if a
LOMA/LOMR-F has been issued by FEMA. The Elevation Certificate may be used to support a LOMA or LOMR-F request. Lowest
floor and lowest adjacent grade elevations certified by a surveyor or engineer will be required if the certificate is used to support a
LOMA or LOMR-F request. A LOMA or LOMR-F request must be submitted with either a completed FEMA MT-EZ or MT-1
package, whichever is appropriate.
This certificate is used only to certify building elevations. A separate certificate is required for floodproofing. Under the NFIP, non-
residential buildings can be floodproofed up to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). A floodproofed building is a building that
has been designed and constructed to be watertight (substantially impermeable to floodwaters) below the BFE. Floodproofing of
residential buildings is not permitted under the NFIP unless FEMA has granted the community an exception for residential
floodproofed basements. The community must adopt standards for design and construction of floodproofed basements before
FEMA will grant a basement exception. For both floodproofed non-residential buildings and residential floodproofed basements in
communities that have been granted an exception by FEMA, a floodproofing certificate is required.
Additional guidance can be found in FEMA Publication 467-1, Floodplain Management Bulletin: Elevation Certificate, available on
FEMA's website at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3539?id=1727.
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (Revised 7/15) Replaces all previous editions. F-053
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Flood Insurance Program
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
Important: Follow the instructions on pages 1–9.
Copy all pages of this Elevation Certificate and all attachments for (1) community official, (2) insurance agent/company, and (3) building owner.
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (7/15) Replaces all previous editions.
Form Page 1 of 6
A1. Building Owner's Name
A2. Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and
Box No.
City State ZIP Code
Policy Number:
Company NAIC Number:
A3. Property Description (Lot and Block Numbers, Tax Parcel Number, Legal Description, etc.)
A4. Building Use (e.g., Residential, Non-Residential, Addition, Accessory, etc.)
A5. Latitude/Longitude:
Lat. Long.
Horizontal Datum:
NAD 1927 NAD 1983
A6. Attach at least 2 photographs of the building if the Certificate is being used to obtain flood insurance.
A7. Building Diagram Number
A8. For a building with a crawlspace or enclosure(s):
a) Square footage of crawlspace or enclosure(s)
sq ft
b) Number of permanent flood openings in the crawlspace or enclosure(s) within 1.0 foot above adjacent grade
c) Total net area of flood openings in A8.b
sq in
d) Engineered flood openings?
Yes No
A9. For a building with an attached garage:
a) Square footage of attached garage
sq ft
b) Number of permanent flood openings in the attached garage within 1.0 foot above adjacent grade
c) Total net area of flood openings in A9.b
sq in
d) Engineered flood openings?
Yes No
SECTION B – FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION
B1. NFIP Community Name & Community Number B2. County Name B3. State
B4. Map/Panel
Number
B5. Suffix
B6. FIRM Index
Date
B7. FIRM Panel
Effective/
Revised Date
B8. Flood
Zone(s)
B9. Base Flood Elevation(s)
(Zone AO, use Base Flood Depth)
B10. Indicate the source of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data or base flood depth entered in Item B9:
FIS Profile FIRM Community Determined Other/
Source:
NGVD 1929 NAVD 1988 Other/
B11. Indicate elevation datum used for BFE in Item B9:
Source:
B12. Is the building located in a Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) area or Otherwise Protected Area (OPA)?
Yes No
Designation Date:
CBRS OPA
FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USESECTION A – PROPERTY INFORMATION
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.
FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (7/15) Replaces all previous editions.
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.
City
State ZIP Code
Policy Number:
Company NAIC Number
SECTION C – BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (SURVEY REQUIRED)
C1. Building elevations are based on:
*A new Elevation Certificate will be required when construction of the building is complete.
Construction Drawings* Building Under Construction*
Finished Construction
C2. Elevations – Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1–V30, V (with BFE), AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, AR/AO.
Complete Items C2.a–h below according to the building diagram specified in Item A7. In Puerto Rico only, enter meters.
Benchmark Utilized:
Vertical Datum:
Indicate elevation datum used for the elevations in items a) through h) below.
NGVD 1929 NAVD 1988 Other/
Source:
Datum used for building elevations must be the same as that used for the BFE.
Check the measurement used.
a) Top of bottom floor (including basement, crawlspace, or enclosure floor)
feet meters
b) Top of the next higher floor
c) Bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member (V Zones only)
d) Attached garage (top of slab)
e) Lowest elevation of machinery or equipment servicing the building
(Describe type of equipment and location in Comments)
f) Lowest adjacent (finished) grade next to building (LAG)
g) Highest adjacent (finished) grade next to building (HAG)
h) Lowest adjacent grade at lowest elevation of deck or stairs, including
structural support
feet
meters
feet meters
feet meters
feet
meters
feet meters
feet meters
feet meters
SECTION D – SURVEYOR, ENGINEER, OR ARCHITECT CERTIFICATION
This certification is to be signed and sealed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect authorized by law to certify elevation information.
I certify that the information on this Certificate represents my best efforts to interpret the data available. I understand that any false
statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001.
Check here if attachments.
Yes No
Were latitude and longitude in Section A provided by a licensed land surveyor?
Certifier's Name License Number
Title
Company Name
Address
City
State
ZIP Code
Signature Date
Telephone
Copy all pages of this Elevation Certificate and all attachments for (1) community official, (2) insurance agent/company, and (3) building owner.
Comments (including type of equipment and location, per C2(e), if applicable)
Form Page 2 of 6
Ext.
click to sign
signature
click to edit
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.
FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (7/15) Replaces all previous editions.
State ZIP Code
City
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.
Company NAIC Number
Policy Number:
SECTION E – BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (SURVEY NOT REQUIRED)
FOR ZONE AO AND ZONE A (WITHOUT BFE)
For Zones AO and A (without BFE), complete Items E1–E5. If the Certificate is intended to support a LOMA or LOMR-F request,
complete Sections A, B,and C. For Items E1–E4, use natural grade, if available. Check the measurement used. In Puerto Rico only,
enter meters.
E1. Provide elevation information for the following and check the appropriate boxes to show whether the elevation is above or below
the highest adjacent grade (HAG) and the lowest adjacent grade (LAG).
b) Top of bottom floor (including basement,
crawlspace, or enclosure) is
a) Top of bottom floor (including basement,
crawlspace, or enclosure) is
feet meters
above or below the HAG.
metersfeet
below the LAG.above or
SECTION F – PROPERTY OWNER (OR OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE) CERTIFICATION
E2. For Building Diagrams 6–9 with permanent flood openings provided in Section A Items 8 and/or 9 (see pages 1–2 of Instructions),
the next higher floor (elevation C2.b in
the diagrams) of the building is
feet meters
above or
below the HAG.
feet meters
above or below the HAG.
E3. Attached garage (top of slab) is
E4. Top of platform of machinery and/or equipment
servicing the building is
feet meters above or below the HAG.
E5. Zone AO only: If no flood depth number is available, is the top of the bottom floor elevated in accordance with the community's
floodplain management ordinance?
Yes Unknown.No
The local official must certify this information in Section G.
The property owner or owner's authorized representative who completes Sections A, B, and E for Zone A (without a FEMA-issued or
community-issued BFE) or Zone AO must sign here. The statements in Sections A, B, and E are correct to the best of my knowledge.
Property Owner or Owner's Authorized Representative's Name
Address City State ZIP Code
Telephone
Comments
DateSignature
Check here if attachments.
Form Page 3 of 6
click to sign
signature
click to edit
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.
FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (7/15) Replaces all previous editions.
ZIP CodeStateCity
Company NAIC Number
Policy Number:
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.
SECTION G – COMMUNITY INFORMATION (OPTIONAL)
The local official who is authorized by law or ordinance to administer the community's floodplain management ordinance can complete
Sections A, B, C (or E), and G of this Elevation Certificate. Complete the applicable item(s) and sign below. Check the measurement
used in Items G8–G10. In Puerto Rico only, enter meters.
G1.
The information in Section C was taken from other documentation that has been signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor,
engineer, or architect who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. (Indicate the source and date of the elevation
data in the Comments area below.)
G2.
A community official completed Section E for a building located in Zone A (without a FEMA-issued or community-issued BFE)
or Zone AO.
G3.
The following information (Items G4–G10) is provided for community floodplain management purposes.
G4. Permit Number G5. Date Permit Issued G6. Date Certificate of
Compliance/Occupancy Issued
G7. This permit has been issued for:
New Construction Substantial Improvement
G8. Elevation of as-built lowest floor (including basement)
of the building:
feet meters
Datum
G9.
BFE or (in Zone AO) depth of flooding at the building site:
feet meters
Datum
G10.
Community's design flood elevation:
feet
meters
Datum
Comments (including type of equipment and location, per C2(e), if applicable)
Local Official's Name Title
Telephone
Community Name
Date
Check here if attachments.
Signature
Form Page 4 of 6
click to sign
signature
click to edit
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.
FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (7/15) Replaces all previous editions.
BUILDING PHOTOGRAPHS
See Instructions for Item A6.
Policy Number:
Company NAIC Number
ZIP CodeStateCity
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.
If using the Elevation Certificate to obtain NFIP flood insurance, affix at least 2 building photographs below according to the
instructions for Item A6. Identify all photographs with date taken; "Front View" and "Rear View"; and, if required, "Right Side View" and
"Left Side View." When applicable, photographs must show the foundation with representative examples of the flood openings or
vents, as indicated in Section A8. If submitting more photographs than will fit on this page, use the Continuation Page.
Form Page 5 of 6
Photo One
Photo One Caption
Photo Two
Photo Two Caption
Clear Photo One
Clear Photo Two
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
IMPORTANT: In these spaces, copy the corresponding information from Section A.
FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE
FEMA Form 086-0-33 (7/15) Replaces all previous editions.
BUILDING PHOTOGRAPHS
Continuation Page
Building Street Address (including Apt., Unit, Suite, and/or Bldg. No.) or P.O. Route and Box No.
Policy Number:
Company NAIC Number
ZIP CodeStateCity
If submitting more photographs than will fit on the preceding page, affix the additional photographs below. Identify all photographs
with: date taken; "Front View" and "Rear View"; and, if required, "Right Side View" and "Left Side View." When applicable,
photographs must show the foundation with representative examples of the flood openings or vents, as indicated in Section A8.
Form Page 6 of 6
Photo Three
Photo Three Caption
Photo Four
Photo Four Caption
Clear Photo Three
Clear Photo Four
Instructions for Completing the Elevation Certificate
The Elevation Certificate is to be completed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by law to certify
elevation information when elevation information is required for Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1–V30, V
(with BFE), AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, or AR/AO. Community officials who are authorized by law or
ordinance to provide floodplain management information may also complete this form. For Zones AO and A (without
BFE), a community official, a property owner, or an owner's representative may provide information on this certificate,
unless the elevations are intended for use in supporting a request for a LOMA or LOMR-F. Certified elevations must be
included if the purpose of completing the Elevation Certificate is to obtain a LOMA or LOMR-F.
The property owner, the owner's representative, or local official who is authorized by law to administer the community
floodplain ordinance can complete Section A and Section B. The partially completed form can then be given to the land
surveyor, engineer, or architect to complete Section C. The land surveyor, engineer, or architect should verify the
information provided by the property owner or owner's representative to ensure that this certificate is complete.
In Puerto Rico only, elevations for building information and flood hazard information may be entered in meters.
SECTION A – PROPERTY INFORMATION
Items A1–A4. This section identifies the building, its location, and its owner. Enter the name(s) of the building owner(s),
the building's complete street address, and the lot and block numbers. If the building's address is different from the
owner's address, enter the address of the building being certified. If the address is a rural route or a Post Office box
number, enter the lot and block numbers, the tax parcel number, the legal description, or an abbreviated location
description based on distance and direction from a fixed point of reference. For the purposes of this certificate, "building"
means both a building and a manufactured (mobile) home.
A map may be attached to this certificate to show the location of the building on the property. A tax map, FIRM, or
detailed community map is appropriate. If no map is available, provide a sketch of the property location, and the location
of the building on the property. Include appropriate landmarks such as nearby roads, intersections, and bodies of water.
For building use, indicate whether the building is residential, non-residential, an addition to an existing residential or non-
residential building, an accessory building (e.g., garage), or other type of structure. Use the Comments area of the
appropriate section if needed, or attach additional comments.
Item A5. Provide latitude and longitude coordinates for the center of the front of the building. Use either decimal degrees
(e.g., 39.5043°, −110.7585°) or degrees, minutes, seconds (e.g., 39° 30' 15.5", −110° 45' 30.7") format. If decimal
degrees are used, provide coordinates to at least 5 decimal places or better. When using degrees, minutes, seconds,
provide seconds to at least 1 decimal place or better. The latitude and longitude coordinates must be accurate within 66
feet. When the latitude and longitude are provided by a surveyor, check the "Yes" box in Section D and indicate the
method used to determine the latitude and longitude in the Comments area of Section D. If the Elevation Certificate is
being certified by other than a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect, this information is not required. Provide the type
of datum used to obtain the latitude and longitude. FEMA prefers the use of NAD 1983.
Item A6. If the Elevation Certificate is being used to obtain flood insurance through the NFIP, the certifier must provide at
least 2 photographs showing the front and rear of the building taken within 90 days from the date of certification. The
photographs must be taken with views confirming the building description and diagram number provided in Section A. To
the extent possible, these photographs should show the entire building including foundation. If the building has split-level
or multi-level areas, provide at least 2 additional photographs showing side views of the building. In addition, when
applicable, provide a photograph of the foundation showing a representative example of the flood openings or vents. All
photographs must be in color and measure at least 3" × 3". Digital photographs are acceptable.
Item A7. Select the diagram on pages 7–9 that best represents the building. Then enter the diagram number and use
the diagram to identify and determine the appropriate elevations requested in Items C2.a–h. If you are unsure of the
correct diagram, select the diagram that most closely resembles the building being certified.
Item A8.a. Provide the square footage of the crawlspace or enclosure(s) below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated
building with or without permanent flood openings. Take the measurement from the outside of the crawlspace or
enclosure(s). Examples of elevated buildings constructed with crawlspace and enclosure(s) are shown in Diagrams 6–9
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Flood Insurance Program
OMB No. 1660-0008
Expiration Date: November 30, 2018
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 1 of 9
Instructions for Completing the Elevation Certificate (continued)
on pages 8–9. Diagrams 2A, 2B, 4, and 9 should be used for a building constructed with a crawlspace floor that is below
the exterior grade on all sides.
Items A8.b–d. Enter in Item A8.b the number of permanent flood openings in the crawlspace or enclosure(s) that are
no higher than 1.0 foot above the higher of the exterior or interior grade or floor immediately below the opening. (A
permanent flood opening is a flood vent or other opening that allows the free passage of water automatically in both
directions without human intervention.) If the interior grade elevation is used, note this in the Comments area of
Section D. Estimate the total net area of all such permanent flood openings in square inches, excluding any bars,
louvers, or other covers of the permanent flood openings, and enter the total in Item A8.c. If the net area cannot be
reasonably estimated, provide the size of the flood openings without consideration of any covers and indicate in the
Comments area the type of cover that exists in the flood openings. Indicate in Item A8.d whether the flood openings
are engineered. If applicable, attach a copy of the Individual Engineered Flood Openings Certification or an
Evaluation Report issued by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC ES), if you have it. If the
crawlspace or enclosure(s) have no permanent flood openings, or if the openings are not within 1.0 foot above
adjacent grade, enter "N/A" for not applicable in Items A8.b–c.
Item A9.a. Provide the square footage of the attached garage with or without permanent flood openings. Take the
measurement from the outside of the garage.
Items A9.b–d. Enter in Item A9.b the number of permanent flood openings in the attached garage that are no higher
than 1.0 foot above the higher of the exterior or interior grade or floor immediately below the opening. (A permanent
flood opening is a flood vent or other opening that allows the free passage of water automatically in both directions
without human intervention.) If the interior grade elevation is used, note this in the Comments area of Section D. This
includes any openings that are in the garage door that are no higher than 1.0 foot above the adjacent grade. Estimate
the total net area of all such permanent flood openings in square inches and enter the total in Item A9.c. If the net
area cannot be reasonably estimated, provide the size of the flood openings without consideration of any covers and
indicate in the Comments area the type of cover that exists in the flood openings. Indicate in Item A9.d whether the
flood openings are engineered. If applicable, attach a copy of the Individual Engineered Flood Openings Certification
or an Evaluation Report issued by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC ES), if you have it. If the
garage has no permanent flood openings, or if the openings are not within 1.0 foot above adjacent grade, enter "N/A"
for not applicable in Items A9.b–c.
SECTION B – FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION
Complete the Elevation Certificate on the basis of the FIRM in effect at the time of the certification.
The information for Section B is obtained by reviewing the FIRM panel that includes the building's location. Information
about the current FIRM is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling
1-800-358-9616. If a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR-F) has been issued by FEMA,
please provide the letter date and case number in the Comments area of Section D or Section G, as appropriate.
For a building in an area that has been annexed by one community but is shown on another community's FIRM, enter
the community name and 6-digit number of the annexing community in Item B1, the name of the county or new county, if
necessary, in Item B2, and the FIRM index date for the annexing community in Item B6. Enter information from the
actual FIRM panel that shows the building location, even if it is the FIRM for the previous jurisdiction, in Items B4, B5,
B7, B8, and B9.
If the map in effect at the time of the building's construction was other than the current FIRM, and you have the past map
information pertaining to the building, provide the information in the Comments area of Section D.
Item B1. NFIP Community Name & Community Number. Enter the complete name of the community in which the
building is located and the associated 6-digit community number. For a newly incorporated community, use the name
and 6-digit number of the new community. Under the NFIP, a "community" is any State or area or political subdivision
thereof, or any Indian tribe or authorized native organization, that has authority to adopt and enforce floodplain
management regulations for the areas within its jurisdiction. To determine the current community number, see the
NFIP Community Status Book, available on FEMA's web site at
https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-
program/national-flood-insurance-program-community-status-book
, or call 1-800-358-9616.
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 2 of 9
Instructions for Completing the Elevation Certificate (continued)
Item B2. County Name. Enter the name of the county or counties in which the community is located. For an
unincorporated area of a county, enter "unincorporated area." For an independent city, enter "independent city."
Item B3. State. Enter the 2-letter state abbreviation (for example, VA, TX, CA).
Items B4–B5. Map/Panel Number and Suffix. Enter the 10-character "Map Number" or "Community Panel Number"
shown on the FIRM where the building or manufactured (mobile) home is located. For maps in a county-wide format,
the sixth character of the "Map Number" is the letter "C" followed by a 4-digit map number. For maps not in a county-
wide format, enter the "Community Panel Number" shown on the FIRM.
Item B6. FIRM Index Date. Enter the effective date or the map revised date shown on the FIRM Index.
Item B7. FIRM Panel Effective/Revised Date. Enter the map effective date or the map revised date shown on the
FIRM panel. This will be the latest of all dates shown on the map. The current FIRM panel effective date can be
determined by calling 1-800-358-9616.
Item B8. Flood Zone(s). Enter the flood zone, or flood zones, in which the building is located. All flood zones
containing the letter "A" or "V" are considered Special Flood Hazard Areas. The flood zones are A, AE, A1–A30, V,
VE, V1–V30, AH, AO, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO. Each flood zone is defined in the legend of
the FIRM panel on which it appears.
Item B9. Base Flood Elevation(s). Using the appropriate Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Profile, Floodway Data Table, or
FIRM panel, locate the property and enter the BFE (or base flood depth) of the building site. If the building is located
in more than 1 flood zone in Item B8, list all appropriate BFEs in Item B9. BFEs are shown on a FIRM or FIS Profile
for Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, V1–V30, VE, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO; flood depth numbers are
shown for Zone AO. Use the AR BFE if the building is located in any of Zones AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, or
AR/AO. In A or V zones where BFEs are not provided on the FIRM, BFEs may be available from another source. For
example, the community may have established BFEs or obtained BFE data from other sources for the building site.
For subdivisions and other developments of more than 50 lots or 5 acres, establishment of BFEs is required by the
community's floodplain management ordinance. If a BFE is obtained from another source, enter the BFE in Item B9.
In an A Zone where BFEs are not available, complete Section E and enter N/A for Section B, Item B9. Enter the BFE
to the nearest tenth of a foot (nearest tenth of a meter, in Puerto Rico).
Item B10. Indicate the source of the BFE that you entered in Item B9. If the BFE is from a source other than FIS
Profile, FIRM, or community, describe the source of the BFE.
Item B11. Indicate the elevation datum to which the elevations on the applicable FIRM are referenced as shown on
the map legend. The vertical datum is shown in the Map Legend and/or the Notes to Users on the FIRM.
Item B12. Indicate whether the building is located in a Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) area or Otherwise
Protected Area (OPA). (OPAs are portions of coastal barriers that are owned by Federal, State, or local governments
or by certain non-profit organizations and used primarily for natural resources protection.) Federal flood insurance is
prohibited in designated CBRS areas or OPAs for buildings or manufactured (mobile) homes built or substantially
improved after the date of the CBRS or OPA designation. For the first CBRS designations, that date is October 1,
1983. Information about CBRS areas and OPAs may be obtained on the FEMA web site at https://www.fema.gov/
national-flood-insurance-program/coastal-barrier-resources-system.
SECTION C – BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (SURVEY REQUIRED)
Complete Section C if the building is located in any of Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1–V30, V (with
BFE), AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, or AR/AO, or if this certificate is being used to support a request for a
LOMA or LOMR-F. If the building is located in Zone AO or Zone A (without BFE), complete Section E instead. To
ensure that all required elevations are obtained, it may be necessary to enter the building (for instance, if the building
has a basement or sunken living room, split-level construction, or machinery and equipment).
Surveyors may not be able to gain access to some crawlspaces to shoot the elevation of the crawlspace floor. If
access to the crawlspace is limited or cannot be gained, follow one of these procedures.
• Use a yardstick or tape measure to measure the height from the floor of the crawlspace to the "next higher floor,"
and then subtract the crawlspace height from the elevation of the "next higher floor." If there is no access
to the
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 3 of 9
Instructions for Completing the Elevation Certificate (continued)
crawlspace, use the exterior grade next to the structure to measure the height of the crawlspace to the "next
higher floor."
• Contact the local floodplain administrator of the community in which the building is located. The community may have
documentation of the elevation of the crawlspace floor as part of the permit issued for the building.
• If the property owner has documentation or knows the height of the crawlspace floor to the next higher floor, try to
verify this by looking inside the crawlspace through any openings or vents.
In all 3 cases, use the Comments area of Section D to provide the elevation and a brief description of how the elevation
was obtained.
Item C1. Indicate whether the elevations to be entered in this section are based on construction drawings, a building
under construction, or finished construction. For either of the first 2 choices, a post-construction Elevation Certificate will
be required when construction is complete. If the building is under construction, include only those elevations that can be
surveyed in Items C2.a–h. Use the Comments area of Section D to provide elevations obtained from the construction
plans or drawings. Select "Finished Construction" only when all machinery and/or equipment such as furnaces, hot water
heaters, heat pumps, air conditioners, and elevators and their associated equipment have been installed and the grading
around the building is completed.
Item C2. A field survey is required for Items C2.a–h. Most control networks will assign a unique identifier for each
benchmark. For example, the National Geodetic Survey uses the Permanent Identifier (PID). For the benchmark utilized,
provide the PID or other unique identifier assigned by the maintainer of the benchmark. For GPS survey, indicate the
benchmark used for the base station, the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) sites used for an On-line
Positioning User Service (OPUS) solution (also attach the OPUS report), or the name of the Real Time Network used.
Also provide the vertical datum for the benchmark elevation. All elevations for the certificate, including the elevations for
Items C2.a–h, must use the same datum on which the BFE is based. Show the conversion from the field survey datum
used if it differs from the datum used for the BFE entered in Item B9 and indicate the conversion software used. Show the
datum conversion, if applicable, in the Comments area of Section D.
For property experiencing ground subsidence, the most recent reference mark elevations must be used for determining
building elevations. However, when subsidence is involved, the BFE should not be adjusted. Enter elevations in Items
C2.a–h to the nearest tenth of a foot (nearest tenth of a meter, in Puerto Rico).
Items C2.a–d. Enter the building elevations (excluding the attached garage) indicated by the selected building diagram
(Item A7) in Items C2.a–c. If there is an attached garage, enter the elevation for top of attached garage slab in Item C2.d.
(Because elevation for top of attached garage slab is self-explanatory, attached garages are not illustrated in the
diagrams.) If the building is located in a V zone on the FIRM, complete Item C2.c. If the flood zone cannot be determined,
enter elevations for all of Items C2.a–h. For buildings in A zones, elevations a, b, d, and e should be measured at the top
of the floor. For buildings in V zones, elevation c must be measured at the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural
member of the floor (see drawing below). For buildings elevated on a crawlspace, Diagrams 8 and 9, enter the elevation
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 4 of 9
Instructions for Completing the Elevation Certificate (continued)
of the top of the crawlspace floor in Item C2.a, whether or not the crawlspace has permanent flood openings (flood
vents). If any item does not apply to the building, enter "N/A" for not applicable.
Item C2.e. Enter the lowest platform elevation of at least 1 of the following machinery and equipment items: elevators
and their associated equipment, furnaces, hot water heaters, heat pumps, and air conditioners in an attached garage
or enclosure or on an open utility platform that provides utility services for the building. Note that elevations for these
specific machinery and equipment items are required in order to rate the building for flood insurance. Local floodplain
management officials are required to ensure that all machinery and equipment servicing the building are protected
from flooding. Thus, local officials may require that elevation information for all machinery and equipment, including
ductwork, be documented on the Elevation Certificate. If the machinery and/or equipment is mounted to a wall, pile,
etc., enter the platform elevation of the machinery and/or equipment. Indicate machinery/equipment type and its
general location, e.g., on floor inside garage or on platform affixed to exterior wall, in the Comments area of Section D
or Section G, as appropriate. If this item does not apply to the building, enter "N/A" for not applicable.
Items C2.f–g. Enter the elevation of the ground, sidewalk, or patio slab immediately next to the building. For Zone AO,
use the natural grade elevation, if available. This measurement must be to the nearest hundredth of a foot (nearest
hundredth of a meter, in Puerto Rico) if this certificate is being used to support a request for a LOMA or LOMR-F.
Item C2.h. Enter the lowest grade elevation at the deck support or stairs. For Zone AO, use the natural grade
elevation, if available. This measurement must be to the nearest tenth of a foot (nearest tenth of a meter, in Puerto
Rico) if this certificate is being used to support a request for a LOMA or LOMR-F.
SECTION D – SURVEYOR, ENGINEER, OR ARCHITECT CERTIFICATION
Complete as indicated. This section of the Elevation Certificate may be signed by only a land surveyor, engineer, or
architect who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. Place your license number, your seal (as allowed by
the State licensing board), your signature, and the date in the box in Section D. You are certifying that the information on
this certificate represents your best efforts to interpret the data available and that you understand that any false
statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001. Use the Comments area of
Section D to provide datum, elevation, openings, or other relevant information not specified elsewhere on the certificate.
SECTION E – BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (SURVEY NOT REQUIRED)
FOR ZONE AO AND ZONE A (WITHOUT BFE)
Complete Section E if the building is located in Zone AO or Zone A (without BFE). Otherwise, complete Section C instead.
Explain in the Section F Comments area if the measurement provided under Items E1–E4 is based on the "natural grade."
Items E1.a and b. Enter in Item E1.a the height to the nearest hundredth of a foot (hundredth of a meter in Puerto Rico)
of the top of the bottom floor (as indicated in the applicable diagram) above or below the highest adjacent grade (HAG).
Enter in Item E1.b the height to the nearest hundredth of a foot (hundredth of a meter in Puerto Rico) of the top of the
bottom floor (as indicated in the applicable diagram) above or below the lowest adjacent grade (LAG). For buildings in
Zone AO, the community's floodplain management ordinance requires the lowest floor of the building be elevated above
the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number on the FIRM. Buildings in Zone A (without BFE) may
qualify for a lower insurance rate if an engineered BFE is developed at the site.
Item E2. For Building Diagrams 6–9 with permanent flood openings (see pages 8–9), enter the height to the nearest
hundredth of a foot (hundredth of a meter in Puerto Rico) of the next higher floor or elevated floor (as indicated in the
applicable diagram) above or below the highest adjacent grade (HAG).
Item E3. Enter the height to the nearest hundredth of a foot (hundredth of a meter in Puerto Rico), in relation to the
highest adjacent grade next to the building, for the top of attached garage slab. (Because elevation for top of attached
garage slab is self-explanatory, attached garages are not illustrated in the diagrams.) If this item does not apply to the
building, enter "N/A" for not applicable.
Item E4. Enter the height to the nearest hundredth of a foot (hundredth of a meter in Puerto Rico), in relation to the
highest adjacent grade next to the building, of the platform elevation that supports the machinery and/or equipment
servicing the building. Indicate machinery/equipment type in the Comments area of Section F. If this item does not apply
to the building, enter "N/A" for not applicable.
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 5 of 9
Instructions for Completing the Elevation Certificate (continued)
Item E5. For those communities where this base flood depth is not available, the community will need to determine
whether the top of the bottom floor is elevated in accordance with the community's floodplain management ordinance.
SECTION F – PROPERTY OWNER (OR OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE) CERTIFICATION
Complete as indicated. This section is provided for certification of measurements taken by a property owner or property
owner's representative when responding to Sections A, B, and E. The address entered in this section must be the actual
mailing address of the property owner or property owner's representative who provided the information on the certificate.
SECTION G – COMMUNITY INFORMATION (OPTIONAL)
Complete as indicated. The community official who is authorized by law or ordinance to administer the community's
floodplain management ordinance can complete Sections A, B, C (or E), and G of this Elevation Certificate. Section C
may be filled in by the local official as provided in the instructions below for Item G1. If the authorized community official
completes Sections C, E, or G, complete the appropriate item(s) and sign this section.
Check Item G1 if Section C is completed with elevation data from other documentation that has been signed and sealed
by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. Indicate the
source of the elevation data and the date obtained in the Comments area of Section G. If you are both a community
official and a licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect authorized by law to certify elevation information, and you
performed the actual survey for a building in Zones A1–A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1–V30, V (with BFE), AR, AR/
A, AR/A1–A30, AR/AE, AR/AH, or AR/AO, you must also complete Section D.
Check Item G2 if information is entered in Section E by the community for a building in Zone A (without a FEMA-issued
or community-issued BFE) or Zone AO.
Check Item G3 if the information in Items G4–G10 has been completed for community floodplain management purposes
to document the as-built lowest floor elevation of the building. Section C of the Elevation Certificate records the elevation
of various building components but does not determine the lowest floor of the building or whether the building, as
constructed, complies with the community's floodplain management ordinance. This must be done by the community.
Items G4–G10 provide a way to document these determinations.
Item G4. Permit Number. Enter the permit number or other identifier to key the Elevation Certificate to the permit issued
for the building.
Item G5. Date Permit Issued. Enter the date the permit was issued for the building.
Item G6. Date Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy Issued. Enter the date that the Certificate of Compliance or
Occupancy or similar written official documentation of as-built lowest floor elevation was issued by the community as
evidence that all work authorized by the floodplain development permit has been completed in accordance with the
community's floodplain management laws or ordinances.
Item G7. New Construction or Substantial Improvement. Check the applicable box. "Substantial Improvement" means
any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a building, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50
percent of the market value of the building before the start of construction of the improvement. The term includes
buildings that have incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed.
Item G8. As-built lowest floor elevation. Enter the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) when the
construction of the building is completed and a final inspection has been made to confirm that the building is built in
accordance with the permit, the approved plans, and the community's floodplain management laws or ordinances.
Indicate the elevation datum used.
Item G9. BFE. Using the appropriate FIRM panel, FIS Profile, or other data source, locate the property and enter the
BFE (or base flood depth) of the building site. Indicate the elevation datum used.
Item G10. Community's design flood elevation. Enter the elevation (including freeboard above the BFE) to which the
community requires the lowest floor to be elevated. Indicate the elevation datum used.
Enter your name, title, and telephone number, and the name of the community. Sign and enter the date in the
appropriate blanks.
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 6 of 9
Building Diagrams
The following diagrams illustrate various types of buildings. Compare the features of the building being certified with
the features shown in the diagrams and select the diagram most applicable. Enter the diagram number in Item A7,
the square footage of crawlspace or enclosure(s) and the area of flood openings in square inches in Items A8.a–c,
the square footage of attached garage and the area of flood openings in square inches in Items A9.a–c, and the
elevations in Items C2.a–h.
In A zones, the floor elevation is taken at the top finished surface of the floor indicated; in V zones, the floor elevation
is taken at the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member (see drawing in instructions for Section C).
DIAGRAM 1A
All slab-on-grade single- and multiple-floor buildings
(other than split-level) and high-rise buildings, either
detached or row type (e.g., townhouses); with or
without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor is at or above
ground level (grade) on at least 1 side.*
DIAGRAM 2A
All single- and multiple-floor buildings with basement
(other than split-level) and high-rise buildings with
basement, either detached or row type
(e.g., townhouses); with or without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor (basement
or underground garage) is below ground level (grade) on
all sides.*
* A floor that is below ground level (grade) on all sides is considered a basement even if the floor is used for living purposes, or as an office,
garage, workshop, etc.
DIAGRAM 2B
All single- and multiple-floor buildings with basement
(other than split-level) and high-rise buildings with
basement, either detached or row type
(e.g., townhouses); with or without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature
– The bottom floor (basement or
underground garage) is below ground level (grade) on all
sides; most of the height of the walls is below ground level
on all sides; and the door and area of egress are also
below ground level on all sides.*
DIAGRAM 1B
All raised-slab-on-grade or slab-on-stem-wall-with-fill
single- and multiple-floor buildings (other than split-
level), either detached or row type (e.g., townhouses);
with or without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor is at or above
ground level (grade) on at least 1 side.*
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 7 of 9
Building Diagrams
DIAGRAM 3
All split-level buildings that are slab-on-grade, either
detached or row type (e.g., townhouses); with or without
attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor (excluding
garage) is at or above ground level (grade) on at least
1 side.*
DIAGRAM 4
All split-level buildings (other than slab-on-grade),
either detached or row type (e.g., townhouses); with or
without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor (basement
or underground garage) is below ground level (grade) on
all sides.*
DIAGRAM 5
All buildings elevated on piers, posts, piles, columns,
or parallel shear walls. No obstructions below the
elevated floor.
Distinguishing Feature
– For all zones, the area below the
elevated floor is open, with no obstruction to flow of floodwaters
(open lattice work and/or insect screening is permissible).
DIAGRAM 6
All buildings elevated on piers, posts, piles, columns,
or parallel shear walls with full or partial enclosure
below the elevated floor.
Distinguishing Feature
– For all zones, the area below the
elevated floor is enclosed, either partially or fully. In A Zones, the
partially or fully enclosed area below the elevated floor is with or
without openings** present in the walls of the enclosure. Indicate
information about enclosure size and openings in Section A –
Property Information.
* A floor that is below ground level (grade) on all sides is considered a basement even if the floor is used for living purposes, or as an office,
garage, workshop, etc.
** An "opening" is a permanent opening that allows for the free passage of water automatically in both directions without human intervention.
Under the NFIP, a minimum of 2 openings is required for enclosures or crawlspaces. The openings shall provide a total net area of not less than
1 square inch for every square foot of area enclosed, excluding any bars, louvers, or other covers of the opening. Alternatively, an Individual
Engineered Flood Openings Certification or an Evaluation Report issued by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC ES) must be
submitted to document that the design of the openings will allow for the automatic equalization of hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls. A
window, a door, or a garage door is not considered an opening; openings may be installed in doors. Openings shall be on at least 2 sides of the
enclosed area. If a building has more than 1 enclosed area, each area must have openings to allow floodwater to directly enter. The bottom of
the openings must be no higher than 1.0 foot above the higher of the exterior or interior grade or floor immediately below the opening. For more
guidance on openings, see NFIP Technical Bulletin 1.
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 8 of 9
Building Diagrams
DIAGRAM 8
All buildings elevated on a crawlspace with the floor of
the crawlspace at or above grade on at least 1 side,
with or without an attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature
– For all zones, the area below the first
floor is enclosed by solid or partial perimeter walls. In all A zones,
the crawlspace is with or without openings** present in the walls
of the crawlspace. Indicate information about crawlspace size
and openings in Section A – Property Information.
DIAGRAM 9
All buildings (other than split-level) elevated on a sub-
grade crawlspace, with or without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature
– The bottom (crawlspace) floor is below
ground level (grade) on all sides.* (If the distance from the crawlspace
floor to the top of the next higher floor is more than 5 feet, or the
crawlspace floor is more than 2 feet below the grade [LAG] on all
sides, use Diagram 2A or 2B.)
DIAGRAM 7
All buildings elevated on full-story foundation walls
with a partially or fully enclosed area below the elevated
floor. This includes walkout levels, where at least 1 side
is at or above grade. The principal use of this building is
located in the elevated floors of the building.
Distinguishing Feature
– For all zones, the area below the
elevated floor is enclosed, either partially or fully. In A Zones, the
partially or fully enclosed area below the elevated floor is with or
without openings** present in the walls of the enclosure. Indicate
information about enclosure size and openings in Section A –
Property Information.
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions –
Page 9 of 9
* A floor that is below ground level (grade) on all sides is considered a basement even if the floor is used for living purposes, or as an office,
garage, workshop, etc.
** An "opening" is a permanent opening that allows for the free passage of water automatically in both directions without human intervention.
Under the NFIP, a minimum of 2 openings is required for enclosures or crawlspaces. The openings shall provide a total net area of not less than
1 square inch for every square foot of area enclosed, excluding any bars, louvers, or other covers of the opening. Alternatively, an Individual
Engineered Flood Openings Certification or an Evaluation Report issued by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC ES) must be
submitted to document that the design of the openings will allow for the automatic equalization of hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls. A
window, a door, or a garage door is not considered an opening; openings may be installed in doors. Openings shall be on at least 2 sides of the
enclosed area. If a building has more than 1 enclosed area, each area must have openings to allow floodwater to directly enter. The bottom of
the openings must be no higher than 1.0 foot above the higher of the exterior or interior grade or floor immediately below the opening. For more
guidance on openings, see NFIP Technical Bulletin 1.
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Form 053 FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM ELEVATION CERTIFICATE

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Completed 22 February 2020

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