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What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate—and Do You Need One in Houston?

Rising Water, Rising Requirements

Flooding is a part of life in Houston and much of Southeast Texas. From Hurricane Harvey to routine tropical storms, residents and property owners know that water management is serious business. But what many people don’t realize is that flood insurance costs, building permits, and even home sales can hinge on one document: the FEMA Flood Elevation Certificate.

At South Texas Surveying, we provide accurate, city-approved elevation certificates across Houston, Conroe, Spring, Katy, and other flood-prone communities throughout Texas.

What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate?

A Flood Elevation Certificate (also called an EC or FEMA Certificate) is an official document prepared by a licensed surveyor that provides detailed information about a property’s elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) established by FEMA.

It’s used by:

• FEMA to determine flood risk

• Insurance companies to rate flood insurance premiums

• Cities and counties for permitting and compliance

• Homeowners and real estate professionals for disclosure and resale

What Information Does an Elevation Certificate Include?

Your certificate will include:

• Property address and legal description

• FEMA flood zone designation

• Ground and finished floor elevations

• Base Flood Elevation (BFE)

• Lowest adjacent grade and garage/slab elevations

• Building type and foundation details

• Surveyor’s certification and seal

When Do You Need an Elevation Certificate in Houston?

You may need a flood certificate if:

• Your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

• You are applying for or renewing flood insurance

• You are building or remodeling in a flood zone

• You’re applying for a permit in flood-prone cities like Pasadena, Friendswood, or Meyerland

• You want to challenge or remove your property from a flood zone through a LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment)

• You’re buying, selling, or refinancing a property in a Zone AE, VE, or other high-risk area

Why It Matters: Insurance Costs and Construction Delays

An elevation certificate can:

• Lower your flood insurance premiums

• Determine whether insurance is even required

• Speed up the permitting process

• Help your builder design to proper elevation standards

• Protect your investment from future compliance issues

We’ve had clients in Pearland, Tomball, and Baytown save thousands on insurance—or avoid months-long permitting delays—just by getting a certified elevation certificate from our team.

How to Get a Flood Elevation Certificate

You’ll need to hire a licensed professional land surveyor (like South Texas Surveying) to:

1. Visit the property and take field measurements

2. Cross-reference FEMA flood maps

3. Document building elevations, foundation type, and BFE data

4. Complete and sign the FEMA Elevation Certificate form

5. Deliver the certificate digitally or in hard copy (depending on what your city or insurer requires)

We can typically complete the process within a few business days.

Where We Provide Elevation Certificates

We serve residential and commercial clients across:

• Houston (including Meyerland, Heights, East End, and Galleria)

• Conroe & The Woodlands

• Katy & Cypress

• Tomball & Magnolia

• Pearland, Manvel & Alvin

• Baytown & Pasadena

• League City & Galveston County

Why Choose South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Fast turnaround and FEMA-compliant documentation

• ✅ Licensed surveyors with deep knowledge of Texas flood zones

• ✅ Trusted by builders, insurance agents, title companies, and homeowners

• ✅ Flexible scheduling and fair pricing

Whether you're building, buying, or just trying to reduce flood insurance premiums, a professional Flood Elevation Certificate could save you time, money, and stress. Trust South Texas Surveying to get it done right—on time and fully compliant with FEMA and local regulations.