An elevation certificate is just that. It is an elevation that
has been obtained and established in the field and is certified/stamped
by a licensed engineer or surveyor. Typically, when constructing or
planning for construction in areas prone to flooding, flood protection
elevations have to be met. The City of Ottawa has a two foot flood
protection elevation above the base flood elevation. Elevation
certificates are used to demonstrate and prove elevations in the field.
They can also be used to help determine accurate flood insurance risk
premiums. A form developed by FEMA is typically used for this purpose
and is widely accepted across numerous disciplines. As a participant in
the Community Rating Service (CRS), the City of Ottawa requires this
form to be used when an elevation certificate is required in floodplain
management/regulation.
The following link provides a link to the form and also an elevation
certificate overview with instructions on how to complete the form:
FEMA-Elevation Certificate Information