An elevation certificate in Dakota County costs $300 to $600 for most residential properties. The certificate documents building elevations relative to FEMA flood maps and is required for National Flood Insurance Program coverage on properties in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Dakota County's flood zones are concentrated along the Mississippi River to the east and the Vermillion River and its tributaries through the county's center.
Flood Zones in Dakota County
Mississippi River Corridor
The Mississippi River forms Dakota County's eastern border. The river's floodplain is wide and well-mapped in this region. Communities along the corridor include:
- South St. Paul - several neighborhoods adjacent to the river are in Zone AE. South St. Paul has historically seen spring flood events when the river runs high.
- Inver Grove Heights - lower-elevation areas near the river and Spring Lake carry flood zone designations.
- Hastings - the Vermillion River meets the Mississippi at Hastings, creating a flood zone confluence. Downtown Hastings and river-adjacent neighborhoods have FEMA-mapped floodplains.
Vermillion River Watershed
The Vermillion River flows through Apple Valley, Rosemount, Farmington, and into Hastings. Its lower reaches and some tributaries have mapped floodplains. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Apple Valley sits within the watershed, and some properties south and east of the park have flood zone considerations.
When an Elevation Certificate Is Required in Dakota County
- Your mortgage lender requires flood insurance and your property is in a FEMA-mapped flood zone
- You are purchasing NFIP coverage on a property in South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Hastings, or near the Vermillion River
- You want to apply for a Letter of Map Amendment to challenge your flood zone designation
- You are building or substantially improving a structure in a floodplain in any Dakota County municipality
Letters of Map Amendment in Dakota County
If your Dakota County property is mapped in a flood zone but your actual ground elevation puts you above the base flood elevation, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment through FEMA. A signed elevation certificate from a licensed PLS is the primary document required. A successful LOMA removes the mandatory flood insurance requirement from your mortgage, which can eliminate hundreds to thousands of dollars in annual premiums.
Find an Elevation Certificate Surveyor in Dakota County
Elevation certificates must be prepared and signed by a licensed Professional Land Surveyor. Find licensed surveyors who handle elevation certificates in our Dakota County directory. Every surveyor is sourced from Minnesota state licensing records.