Flood Zone Elevation Certificate Guide for Georgia

Flood Zone Elevation Certificate Guide for Georgia

Many Georgia properties are in FEMA-designated flood zones. Elevation certificates are essential for permitting, insurance, and flood zone management.

When You Need an Elevation Certificate

• New construction in a flood zone
• Substantial improvements to a property in a flood zone
• Flood insurance — Your insurance company may require one
• LOMA application — To remove your property from a flood zone
• Permit requirements — Many Georgia counties require them for flood zone construction

What an Elevation Certificate Includes

An FEMA Elevation Certificate (Form FF 086-0-33) includes:

• Building photograph
• Building type and description
• Elevation of the lowest floor
• Elevation of machinery/equipment
• Adjacent grade elevations
• Flood zone designation
• Base Flood Elevation (BFE) comparison

How Elevation Certificates Are Used

• Flood insurance rating — Determines premium based on risk
• Permit compliance — Verifies the building meets elevation requirements
• LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment) — If the lowest adjacent grade is above the BFE, you may qualify to have the property removed from the flood zone

The LOMA Process

If your property is incorrectly mapped in a flood zone:

1. Obtain an elevation certificate from a licensed engineer or surveyor
2. Submit a LOMA application to FEMA
3. FEMA reviews and issues a determination
4. If approved, the property is removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area
5. Flood insurance may no longer be required by lenders

Georgia Flood Zone Hotspots

• Coastal Georgia — Savannah, Pooler, Brunswick, Hinesville
• River-adjacent properties — Chattahoochee, Flint, Savannah River basins
• Low-lying areas — Throughout the state

Who Can Prepare an Elevation Certificate

Elevation certificates must be prepared by a licensed professional engineer or licensed land surveyor.

Call (833) 205-7710 for elevation certificate and flood zone services.