Elevation Certificates in Butte County, CA (2026)
Butte County has flood-prone areas along Feather River corridor and Oroville Dam spillway area. If you own or are buying property near these waterways or in low-lying areas of the county, you may need an elevation certificate. This document is prepared by a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) or licensed engineer and records the elevation of your building relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) shown on FEMA flood maps.
Feather River Flood Zones and Oroville Dam Inundation Areas
The Feather River corridor running through Oroville, Gridley, and Biggs carries active AE flood zone designations on FEMA flood maps. The 2017 Oroville Dam spillway event prompted updated inundation mapping downstream from the dam. Properties in low-lying areas of Oroville and along the river need current elevation certificates to accurately rate flood insurance policies.
When Is an Elevation Certificate Required?
The most common trigger is a federally backed mortgage on a property mapped in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Your lender will order a flood zone determination at closing. If the result places your structure in Zone AE, Zone A, Zone AO, or Zone VE, the lender will require you to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). At that point, an elevation certificate is typically needed to rate the policy accurately.
Elevation certificates are also required when applying for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to remove a property from a flood zone designation, or when obtaining permits for new construction or substantial improvements in a flood hazard area under local floodplain management ordinances.
What the Certificate Includes
An elevation certificate documents the lowest floor elevation of the structure, the elevation of any attached garage, the flood zone designation, BFE, and other site-specific data. The surveyor visits the property, takes measurements, and completes the FEMA-standard form. The finished certificate becomes part of your property's documentation and can be used for insurance rating, permit applications, and LOMA submissions.
Cost of an Elevation Certificate in Butte County
Expect to pay $300 to 550 for a standard elevation certificate in Butte County. Properties with complex site conditions, limited access, or in areas where the BFE requires additional research may cost more. Contact a licensed PLS to get a quote specific to your property address and flood zone situation.
Find a Surveyor for Your Elevation Certificate
Our directory lists licensed Professional Land Surveyors serving Butte County who are experienced with FEMA flood zone work and elevation certificate preparation. Search by location and get connected with surveyors who know Butte County's flood maps and local terrain. Find a qualified PLS through the directory today.