The purpose of this page is to define a floodproofing certificate, a commonly used term in floodplain management.
Definition/Description
Documentation of certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction of a nonresidential building are in accordance with accepted practices for meeting the floodproofing requirements in the community''s floodplain management ordinance. This documentation is required for both floodplain management requirements and insurance rating purposes.
For insurance rating purposes, a building''s floodproofed design elevation must be at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to receive full rating credit for the floodproofing. If the building is floodproofed only to the BFE, the flood insurance rates will be considerably higher.
Communities are encouraged to use the one-page FEMA floodproofing certification form because it fulfills National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance rating needs as well as floodplain management requirements.
NFIP Requirement
60.0 Criteria for Land Management and Use
- 60.3 (b) (5) Requirement to Obtain Lowest Floor Elevation in Zone A
- 60.3 (c)(3) - Requirements for Nonresidential Buildings
- 60.3 (c)(4) - Floodproofing Certification
Other Applicable NFIP Regulations
- 60.3 (c) (8)
Guidance
- IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)(Pages 7-58)
- Non-Residential Floodproofing - Requirements and Certification (FIA-TB-3)
- Online Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA 81-65)