A FEMA Elevation Certificate is an official document that verifies the elevation of your building relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for your property. It is often required to:

• Purchase or renew flood insurance,

• Determine your property’s flood risk rating,

• Or apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to remove your home from a FEMA flood zone.

H&M Surveying provides accurate, survey-grade elevation data and completes all required FEMA forms, helping you reduce insurance costs and comply with floodplain regulations.

The cost depends on your property’s location, accessibility, and complexity. H&M Surveying offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for clients in Greenville, Charleston, Augusta, and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your address.

Most standard residential elevation certificates can be completed within 5 to 10 business days. We’ll schedule a site visit, collect elevation data using high-precision GPS equipment, and deliver a completed FEMA form ready for your insurer or local building official.

Yes. Elevation Certificates provide data that insurers use to assess your risk and calculate your flood insurance rate. If your home is elevated above the Base Flood Elevation, your premium may be significantly reduced. If the structure is not in a high-risk zone, the certificate can also be used to request a map change via LOMA.

A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is an official FEMA determination that removes a property or structure from a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), often based on elevation data from a certified Elevation Certificate.

To apply for a LOMA, you’ll need:

• A completed FEMA Elevation Certificate

• A copy of your property deed and plat

• A FEMA MT-EZ form (for individual lot changes)

H&M Surveying can assist by collecting accurate elevation data and providing the documentation you need to submit a successful LOMA request.

If your LOMA is approved and your property is removed from the high-risk flood zone (Zone AE or similar), you’re no longer federally required to carry flood insurance. However, coverage may still be recommended. Many homeowners choose to maintain a preferred risk policy at a lower cost for added peace of mind.