Elevation Certificates in Pulaski County, AR (2026)
The Arkansas River bisects Pulaski County, creating significant FEMA flood zones on both sides of the waterway through the Little Rock and North Little Rock metro area. Lenders providing federally backed mortgages on properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas require flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, and accurate flood insurance rating requires an elevation certificate prepared by a Licensed Land Surveyor.
Flood Zones in Pulaski County
The Arkansas River corridor is the primary flood zone in Pulaski County, with Zone AE designations mapped along the river and its immediate floodplain. Additional flood zones follow major creek drainages throughout the county. Little Maumelle River near Maumelle creates flood zones in the western suburbs. Fourche Creek in southwest Little Rock and other drainage systems throughout the county add to the total mapped area.
Properties that fall within these mapped zones and carry federally backed financing require flood insurance. The cost of that insurance depends significantly on whether your structure is at, above, or below the Base Flood Elevation, which is documented in the elevation certificate.
When Is an Elevation Certificate Required?
The most common trigger is mortgage financing on a property that a flood determination places in a Special Flood Hazard Area. If your lender orders a flood zone determination and the result shows Zone AE or Zone A, flood insurance is mandatory and you will need an elevation certificate to rate the policy. Some lenders also require them for new construction permits in flood zones.
Cost and Timeline
Elevation certificates in Pulaski County cost $350 to $650 for most residential properties. The surveyor measures the lowest floor elevation, attached garage elevation, and other required data points, then completes FEMA Form 086-0-33. Most certificates are delivered in three to five business days from the site visit.
Find surveyors who handle elevation certificates in our Pulaski County directory.