I got a request for an elevation certificate from a client who wants to put in a mobile home. She said she's moved about 2 feet of dirt onto the proposed site and the county is requiring an elevation certificate before she can move the trailer there. I've never done an elevation certificate without a structure. Can I do a simple elevation certificate for this? Will I need to do a loma or lomr? I'm looking into it but thought I would throw this out to the experts.
I appreciate any help!
Chris B.
There is a check box on the cert. for "const. dwg's", "building under const.", and "finished const."
What you'll want to do is find out if there are any county requirements as to height ABOVE base flood elevation, set a benchmark on-site at required finish floor elevation, and prepare cert. with the "const. dwg's" checked.
Just make sure the contractor understands exactly what the nail means and that a do over will be very costly.
If the county doesn't require any "freeboard" above the BFE you will probably want to explain to your client that higher means less expensive flood insurance.
All that being said, there is a process called a LOMR-F, which is letter of map revision based on fill that can be completed to have FEMA remove the area where the structure is located from the flood altogether if the proper elevation is reached and other requirements followed.
Hope this helps.
To add to what Ben said. Also check your state building code about "freeboard". In New York in 2008 the state building code was revised to add, "two feet above the BFE."
Thanks, guys. This helps.