Is an as-built elevation certificate still required if a builder uses a level to verify the elevation during the second inspection?

An as-built elevation certificate is essential for compliance with floodplain management regulations, regardless of any methods a builder may use to verify the elevation during inspections. The elevation certificate serves as a formal document, providing an official record of the building's elevation in relation to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This documentation is critical for determining insurance rates and ensuring that the structure complies with local floodplain ordinances.

Verification using a level does not replace the need for an elevation certificate. The purpose of the certificate is to provide a standardized, traceable, and verifiable method of confirming that the building has been constructed at the proper elevation to mitigate flood risks. It is necessary at the completion of construction to demonstrate compliance with the floodplain management requirements as established by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Thus, the requirement for an as-built elevation certificate remains even when elevation measurements are taken using other methods, reinforcing the importance of formal documentation in floodplain management and construction compliance.