Elevation Certificates in Horry County
Horry County has some of the most extensive FEMA flood zone mapping in South Carolina. The barrier island communities of the Grand Strand, the Waccamaw River floodplain, and tidal creek networks throughout the county create large areas where elevation certificates are required for mortgage lending, flood insurance pricing, and property transactions.
| Property Location | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard inland lot (Conway, Aynor) | $400 to $600 |
| Grand Strand coastal subdivision | $500 to $800 |
| Oceanfront or VE flood zone | $650 to $900+ |
| Waccamaw River floodplain | $550 to $800 |
| Combined with boundary survey | Bundle pricing varies |
Flood Zones in Horry County
Horry County's flood map includes several zone types that determine insurance requirements:
- VE zones: High-velocity coastal wave action zones along the oceanfront. These carry the highest insurance rates and require elevation certificates showing the building's lowest floor elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation with wave effect.
- AE zones: Standard 100-year flood zones found along the Waccamaw River, tidal creeks, and stormwater detention areas throughout the county. Most lenders require elevation certificates for properties in AE zones.
- AH and AO zones: Sheet flow and ponding areas in lower-lying inland parts of the county.
Why Elevation Certificates Save Money in Horry County
Many Horry County homes built before 1975, when modern flood mapping began, were constructed without reference to flood risk. These structures may be at or below the Base Flood Elevation, resulting in high NFIP premiums. An elevation certificate documents the actual building elevation, which is used to price the flood policy. For homes built above the BFE, an elevation certificate often reduces annual insurance costs significantly, sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year.
Find licensed surveyors who prepare elevation certificates in Horry County through our Horry County land surveyor directory.