Elevation Certificates

Elevation certificates are FEMA forms used to assess a structure for flood insurance purposes and are essential for the Seabrook Building Department to verify compliance with floodplain ordinances and regulations.

The city mandates elevation certificates at three stages of development:

• Along with construction drawings
• During building construction
• Upon completion of construction

Elevation certificates should be submitted to the Building Department before scheduling foundation or clip-and-strap inspections, allowing for review before field inspections.

For development in flood zones and shaded X zones, elevation certificates must be submitted with all permit and plan submittals. Since November 18, 2016, the City has required an 18" freeboard in all regulatory flood zones and shaded X zones, with certified elevations included in the plan set as proof of compliance.

If a home in the floodplain is purchased with a federally backed mortgage, mandatory flood insurance is required, and the new homeowner must maintain it for the duration of the loan or until map changes or other circumstances remove the property from the floodplain. In such cases, an elevation certificate is necessary. This document is also valuable during map changes or disasters affecting city properties.

Homeowners are encouraged to provide the Seabrook Building Department with copies of updated elevation certificates for documentation purposes. These certificates can be accessed online through the Seabrook Elevation Certificates viewer. If not available for download, you can contact the Floodplain Administrator at (281) 291-5638.