What are your feelings on the CFS? (Certified Floodplain Surveyor)
So, I was asked if I could do a flood elevation certificate survey today. We live on the coast and this client is in the unlucky position where their flood delineation has changed. I've never done one. I've had a class (from the board) during one of our society of surveyors symposiums. It was pretty straight forward. They just went down the FEMA form and talked about what info was needed. Then I see this CFS and realize how few surveyors are certified floodplain surveyors. (There's a listing of those in our state) It's a little confusing. Do I need to be a CFS to perform a flood elevation cert survey? And if now ... what benefit does the course and cert offer?
Here's an article from last year that may be relevant
https://amerisurv.com/2019/04/19/a-national-certified-floodplain-surveyor-program/
They are not that bad and you can ask the county flood plain administrator for assistance. Be sure to charge a fair price to cover the liability that you will be taking on. I also recommend making sure you look at the LIMWA line (enter in the comment area if the lot/house is affected), review the March 2020 instructions on flood vents, and if it is a house on pilings with an enclosed garage underneath treat the garage likes it's part of the house.
I've been a proponent for it in our state (WA) for many years but it has fallen on deaf ears. After attending a webinar sponsored by the NC surveyors, FEMA, and other state agencies, I sent a letter to our land surveyors association detailing how many homes and businesses have flood insurance, so the need to get PLS adequately trained is paramount. No response from the board of trustees. If they could see the erroneously filled out elevation certificates clients email me I think they would be appalled. One was making the client (condo association) pay $12,000 a year over a rate they would have had if it was done correctly. I implore any PLS who wants to do FEMA related work (EC,LOMA, LOMA-F, ??) to make sure they attend as many training seminars as possible.
If you are not qualified by education and experience, don't do it (yet).
I see three potentisl issues.
1. The Board may whack you for working outside your area of competence.
2. Things may go sideways resulting in civil liability.
3. Your e & o probably won't cover you.
There are numerous options for learning the ins snd outs of flood plain mapping snd the associated forms. Educate yourself, document it, get paid.
Good luck
If surveyors are more knowledgeable about Elevation Certificates, floodplain mapping and Zone determination, than the Certified Floodplain Professionals, what is the point of becoming a Certified Floodplain Surveyor?
You do not have to be a CFS to prepare an EC, although it would proabably be a good idea to take the course if you plan to do them often.
I used to do quite a few when I could name my own price but now local surveyors are doing EC's for peanuts again.
Most EC's by others I've seen that were done for homeowners and their issurance agent are not filled out correctly.
I've had EC's reviewed by local admins, state admins and fema agents. They all interpret the instructions differently.
@thebionicman
I actually attended training that was offered by the NC Society of Surveyors and at least on of the instructors was NC board member. Good training! They actually went item by item through the complete form and gave many real world examples (pics and all!)
While it's true that some states allow engineers or architects to certify ECs, in NC only a PLS can do it. I bet it would surprise everyone how many engineers and architects violate state law by sealing ECs. The first sentence in Section D should be modified to, "This certification is to be signed and sealed by a land surveyor authorized by law to certify elevation information. Engineers and architects may certify only when such action does not violate state or local law."
