Flood Elevation Certificates

The recently revised FEMA Flood Elevation Certificate has been in effect since October 2009. The main changes to the certificate are:

• Type of structure diagrams (two have been added).
• If vents are engineered.
• Lowest adjacent grade at lowest elevation of deck, stairs or structural support.

Engineered vents are becoming quite popular since they allow for less venting. Typically there needs to be one square inch of venting for each square foot of crawl space below the living area. An 8"x16" opening (128 sq. inches) can be replaced with the same size engineered flood vent to net 200 sq. inches. They can also be helpful in bringing a building up to code and reducing insurance rates by having to install less vents. Visit www.smartvent.com for more information and a short video.

Professional Surveyor Magazine featured an article on engineered flood vents in their July 2007 edition. The following link elaborates on the important role the flood elevation certificate plays in the purchase of flood insurance. Note that it states up to 80% of the flood elevation certificates on file with FEMA are in error and could be driving your insurance rates higher. It may be wise to have your flood elevation certificate updated and obtain a new quote from your insurance company. (Smart Move as featured in Professional Surveyor Magazine)