I have a request for a pre construction flood certificate, and never have completed one before. I'm assuming I identify the BFE and use the construction drawing to determine the finished flood elevation. My client still hasn't received any drawing yet (they are using America's Home Place) it will be on a crawlspace as well. How do I determine the Top of Bottom Floor(crawlspace), LAG, HAG, etc.? I know I will have to do a regular flood certificate after all construction is complete, thanks in advance.
I have done them two ways.
1. Based on plans, and give them the LAG and HAG based on plans.
2. Based on field markings. Measuring elevations where the structure is going to be. This was for a garage that was going o be 5' from PL on two sides, and 20' x 25'. So we measured that and got those elevations and used those for the HAG and LAG.
If it was designed from a topography survey that you did I think #1 is better. If not, then I like to do #2.
Our standard has been to only provide the most basic certificate showing expected location and the existing elevation at that location. Labeling it pre-construction makes this rather clear to anyone requiring the certificate. We install reference nails for the construction company to utilize to make sure nothing is lower than the minimum. One time I had to climb on a tipped up concrete block to get high enough off the ground to drive the nail for lowest acceptable grade. Needless to say, that house never got built because the lot was only fifty feet wide and no one builds on stilts around here.
I do similar to ppm and HC. Get something in writing, plans, letter or email from the architect or homeowner stating what the finish floor will be which should be at or above the BFE, ABFE plus any freeboard requirements. I go on the property and determine the HAG and LAG at the location of the proposed structure and set a TBM at the proposed FF elevation. I also get in writing from the Flood Plan Admin. the BFE, panel no., ABFE and free board requirements if applicable.
I was told many years ago by FEMA only fill out sections C2 with elevations you have determined, so for me I only fill out C2 f and g for construction drawing elevation certificates. I put the FF elevation information in the comments section.
Lamon Miller, post: 337309, member: 553 wrote: ...I was told many years ago by FEMA only fill out sections C2 with elevations you have determined, so for me I only fill out C2 f and g for construction drawing elevation certificates. I put the FF elevation information in the comments section.
That is good to know.
The form has 3 check boxes for source of elevations. One of the choices is "Construction Drawings".
Construction Drawings section C1 is not under source of elevations, it is under "what the building elevations are based upon."
The source information is under section B10.
If you do an EC based upon constructions make sure you get something in writing from the client or design team stating what the min. finish floor elev. will be. It can be a drawing, but I except emails, letters or faxes.
Lamon Miller, post: 338645, member: 553 wrote: Construction Drawings section C1 is not under source of elevations, it is under "what the building elevations are based upon."
The source information is under section B10.
If you do an EC based upon constructions make sure you get something in writing from the client or design team stating what the min. finish floor elev. will be. It can be a drawing, but I except emails, letters or faxes.
I would think the comment is self-explanatory. The construction drawings check box is a clear indication of what is being certified. As a Professional I am capable of reading the ordinance and plans to come up with an elevation. I don't understand the reluctance shown by so many...