Elevation Certificates

An elevation certificate certified by a LICENSED SURVEYOR is required for all new construction or substantial improvement in the floodplain. The elevation certificate verifies the structure complies with the floodplain ordinance and floodplain permit requirements.

MSD has copies of Elevation Certificates for all buildings constructed in the SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Area) since 1990. Contact MSD for a copy of an Elevation Certificate at 540-6266.

Excerpt from the Louisville Metro Floodplain Management Ordinance

157.03 FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION PROVISIONS.

    (C) Local Regulatory Floodplain.

       (5) Elevation/Floodproofing Certificate.

(a) No person shall allow or permit construction to proceed beyond the lowest floor, including a basement, if any, and installation of mechanical and utility equipment and ductwork until a licensed land surveyor or licensed professional engineer has submitted to the administering agency an Elevation Certificate on a form approved by FEMA stating the elevation of the lowest floor and that it conforms to the requirements of the floodplain permit regarding the elevation of the lowest floor.

Local Regulatory Flood: The flood having a one-percent (1%) likelihood of being equaled or exceeded in any given year based on a fully developed watershed.

Local Regulatory Floodplain: Any stream course or normally dry land area susceptible to being partially or completely inundated by the overflow of water from sources of public water or by the unusual and rapid accumulations or runoff of public surface waters and subject to a local regulatory flood.

• View Local Regulatory Floodplain Certificate  (670K, )
• View FEMA’s Elevation and Floodproofing Certificates 
• View FEMA’s Technical Bulletins
• For more Information on Flood Insurance or to find a local flood insurance agent, go to FloodSmart.gov.
• For more information on the Elevation Certificate, including a video for Surveyor’s, click here.