Elevation Certificates in Maryland: What They Are and What They Cost
An elevation certificate documents the elevation of a structure relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) established by FEMA for that location. In Maryland, they are most commonly needed in coastal areas along the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore, tidal tributaries, and flood-prone stretches of the Potomac River and its tributaries.
In 2026, elevation certificates in Maryland cost $400 to $800 for a standard residential property. Properties in areas with complex flood mapping or multiple structures may run higher. The cost is usually a one-time expense, and the certificate does not expire unless the building is substantially altered or FEMA remaps the flood zone.
Maryland's Flood Risk Landscape
Maryland's geography creates diverse flood risks across the state.
Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay
The Eastern Shore sits at low elevation on a flat coastal plain. Wicomico, Dorchester, Somerset, and Talbot counties have large areas mapped in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Tidal flooding from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries is a regular occurrence. Properties near the Bay in Anne Arundel, Queen Anne's, and Calvert counties are also heavily affected.
Potomac River Corridor
Properties along the Potomac River in Washington, Allegany, and Montgomery counties face flood risk from both riverine flooding and flash flooding. The Potomac floods frequently after heavy rainfall in its upper watershed, affecting communities from Hancock and Williamsport down through the DC suburbs.
Baltimore Area Watersheds
The Jones Falls, Gwynns Falls, and Back River watersheds in Baltimore City and Baltimore County have FEMA flood zones covering significant stretches of their floodplains. Low-lying neighborhoods in Essex, Middle River, and areas near the Inner Harbor have recurring flood risk.
Western Maryland
Mountain communities in Garrett and Allegany counties face flash flood risk from steep watersheds. Antietam Creek in Washington County and Conococheague Creek both have FEMA-mapped floodplains affecting nearby properties.
When You Need an Elevation Certificate in Maryland
- Your property is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (Zones A, AE, AH, AO, V, VE) and you need to purchase NFIP flood insurance
- You want to demonstrate that your structure is above the Base Flood Elevation to get a lower flood insurance rating
- You are applying for a LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment) to remove your property from a mapped flood zone
- A lender requires one as part of a mortgage or refinancing on property in or near a flood zone
- You are building or substantially improving a structure in a regulated floodplain under county or municipal floodplain management regulations
Who Can Prepare an Elevation Certificate
In Maryland, elevation certificates must be prepared by a licensed professional land surveyor or a licensed engineer. The form is standardized (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152) and requires precise elevation measurements taken in the field with calibrated survey equipment. Do not rely on online estimates or informal assessments for NFIP purposes.
How to Use an Elevation Certificate
Once you have an elevation certificate, provide it to your flood insurance agent. The agent uses the elevation data to determine your flood insurance rating. If your structure is above the BFE, you may qualify for preferred rates. If it is below, the certificate documents exactly how far below, which determines your risk tier.
If your property appears to be in a flood zone due to map errors rather than actual flood risk, a surveyor can use the elevation certificate as part of a LOMA application to FEMA. A successful LOMA removes your property from the SFHA and eliminates the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for federally backed mortgages.
Find a Surveyor for an Elevation Certificate in Maryland
Find licensed surveyors who handle elevation certificates through our Maryland surveyor directory. All listings are sourced from state licensing records maintained by the Maryland State Board for Professional Land Surveyors.