What is the recommended method to verify that a house was elevated sufficiently?

The FEMA Elevation Certificate is the recommended method to verify that a house has been elevated sufficiently above the base flood elevation (BFE). This certificate is a crucial document in floodplain management, as it provides detailed information about a property's elevation relative to the flood risk.

The Elevation Certificate includes data regarding the lowest floor of the building, which must be at or above the BFE to comply with floodplain regulations. Additionally, it serves as official documentation that can be used to determine insurance rates under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Accurate elevation data is vital not only for compliance but also for ensuring property safety and reducing flood-related risks.

While a building permit, city inspection report, and contractor's affidavit may provide some information regarding construction and compliance, they do not specifically confirm the elevation of the structure relative to flood levels in the same precise manner as the FEMA Elevation Certificate. Thus, reliance on the certificate is essential for proper verification.