Elevation Certificates

A new Elevation Certificate can be obtained at any time from a SC licensed land surveyor or engineer using the latest FEMA Elevation Certificate Form. For more information: see National Flood Insurance Program Underwriting Forms | FEMA.gov. A database of licensed surveyors and engineers is available through the SC Labor Licensing Regulation. Elevation Certificates are required for all new construction and substantial improvements in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), which should be submitted to inspections@charleston-sc.gov for processing and review. Even if not required for local compliance purposes, an Elevation Certificate can help a homeowner understand their flood risk and mitigation options. Additionally, providing an Elevation Certificate to an insurance provider may qualify flood insurance holders for reduced premiums. 

The City of Charleston only has Elevation Certificates within our jurisdiction. FEMA's Flood Map Service Center has more detailed flood maps with information on jurisdiction for those not in the City of Charleston.

If you are a potential buyer or real estate agent, take the time to educate yourself on living and building in the SFHA:

How To Search for a City of Charleston Elevation Certificate:

  • Go to the Mapnet website to view flood zones and Elevation Certificates.
  • Select or search your parcel by address. If there is a matching Elevation Certificate in City records, it will be available as a download link at the bottom of the Property Information sections.
  • You may also select the layer "Elevation Certificates" from the "Additional Layers" dropdown in the left column to view all matching records on the map.
  • Contact us if you are unable to download the file.

Please note, not all Elevation Certificates are in City records and not all properties have an existing Elevation Certificate. The City of Charleston does not survey buildings for the purposes of completing elevation certificates.

Mapnet

Mapnet ECs

A list of all properties with an Elevation Certificate on file in City records is also available here (updated July 2020).  

Contact Us

Request Elevation Certificates and Flood Hazard Information:

floodplain-info@charleston-sc.gov

Caroline Schnell, CFM

Floodplain Manager
Phone: 843-579-6481

Justin King, CFM 

Floodplain Management Technician
Phone: 843-579-6471

Clell Carnes, CFM 

Floodplain Management Technician
Phone: 843-579-6351