FEMA Elevation Certificates & Floodplain Mapping Services
Floodplain compliance and accurate elevation data are critical for both safety and regulatory approval. Prime Engineering provides certified FEMA Elevation Certificates and floodplain mapping services throughout Massachusetts—including coastal communities and flood-prone inland areas.
Our licensed surveyors deliver FEMA-compliant data and documentation that support flood insurance, building permits, and reconstruction projects.
Service Coverage
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Central Massachusetts – Worcester, Leominster, Gardner, Fitchburg
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Southeastern Massachusetts – Bridgewater, Middleborough, Taunton, Lakeville
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Coastal Massachusetts & Cape Cod – Barnstable, Falmouth, Yarmouth
What Is a FEMA Elevation Certificate?
A FEMA Elevation Certificate documents a building’s elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for its location. It’s required for:
- Flood insurance determination
- Building permits in flood zones
- FEMA map amendments (LOMA/LOMR)
- Reconstruction and design compliance in high-risk areas
Prime Engineering provides fully certified Elevation Certificates using GNSS/RTK and precise level loops to ensure defensible accuracy for FEMA and municipal review.
Floodplain Mapping & Analysis
Our floodplain mapping services help homeowners, engineers, and municipalities understand site risk and compliance requirements. We map flood zones, water elevations, and drainage features to inform permitting and mitigation planning.
Services include:
- FEMA flood zone identification (AE, VE, X, etc.)
- Site-specific elevation and contour mapping
- Base Flood Elevation (BFE) comparisons
- Wetland and resource area integration (MassDEP-aware)
Our Process
- Research & Review – Confirm FEMA panel data and local floodplain information.
- Field Data Collection – Perform precise elevation measurements using GNSS/RTK and levels.
- Computation & Analysis – Compare site data to Base Flood Elevations (BFE).
- Documentation & Certification – Complete FEMA Elevation Certificate or floodplain plan.
- Support & Submittals – Assist with insurance, permitting, or FEMA map amendment submissions.
Deliverables You Can Expect
- FEMA Elevation Certificate (PDF + hard copy upon request)
- Floodplain location plan and BFE analysis
- Contour mapping and elevation benchmarks
- CAD (DWG/DXF) and GIS data (optional)
- Coordination support for LOMA/LOMR applications
Why Choose Prime Engineering
- FEMA-compliant accuracy: Certified data ready for insurance and permitting.
- Coastal expertise: Experienced with Cape Cod and South Shore floodplain projects.
- Integration-ready data: Compatible with MassDEP, FEMA, and GIS systems.
- Responsive turnaround: Fast certification and reporting to meet project deadlines.
“Prime Engineering handled our elevation certificate quickly and helped lower our flood insurance premium.” — Homeowner, Cape Cod
Compliance & Quality
- FEMA Elevation Certificate (Form 086-0-33)
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) compliance
- MassDEP and municipal permitting standards
- Peer-reviewed QA for all elevation and mapping data
Boundary & Property Line Surveys
Define property ownership clearly and prevent costly disputes.
Construction Staking & Site Layout
Translate your plans into precise field positions that keep builds on track.
Topographic & GIS Mapping
Visualize terrain and infrastructure for smarter planning.
Wetland & Environmental Surveys
Stay compliant with Massachusetts and federal environmental regulations.
What Is a Boundary Survey?
A boundary survey identifies, retraces, and documents the true legal property lines of a parcel based on record research, field measurements, and deed evidence. It forms the basis for design, title transfer, or legal resolution.
Prime Engineering’s team performs thorough record research and field verification to ensure your survey is consistent with recorded deeds, plans, and monuments.
When You Need a Boundary or Property Line Survey
- Buying or selling real estate
- Constructing additions, fences, or retaining walls
- Preparing an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan or lot split
- Resolving neighbor disputes or encroachments
- Recording updated plans with local planning boards
- Supporting site design or title verification
Our Process
- Records Research – Gather deeds, plans, and registry data to determine record boundaries.
- Field Reconnaissance – Locate monuments, bounds, fences, and other occupation evidence.
- Measurement & Data Collection – GNSS/RTK and total station data for precise geometry.
- Boundary Resolution – Apply deed and plan analysis to establish true boundary lines.
- Plan Preparation – Draft and seal final boundary or property line plan for client and municipal use.
Deliverables You Can Expect
- Certified boundary survey plan (PDF + hard copy upon request)
- CAD (DWG/DXF) and coordinate data files
- Monuments set or verified in the field
- Legal descriptions (if required)
- GIS shapefiles for municipal or consultant use
Why Choose Prime Engineering
- Accuracy first: Advanced GNSS/RTK and total station workflows ensure reliable results.
- Regulatory familiarity: Plans formatted for Massachusetts recording standards.
- Responsive service: Clear communication and timely delivery.
- Professional integrity: Licensed surveyors committed to defensible, quality work.
“Prime Engineering’s boundary survey gave us complete clarity on our property lines—fast, professional, and precise.” — Homeowner, Central MA
Compliance & Quality
- Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors standards
- Municipal recording and ANR plan formatting
- Peer-reviewed QA process for all boundary resolutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need an Elevation Certificate for flood insurance?
Yes—FEMA requires an Elevation Certificate to determine accurate insurance premiums in flood zones.
Can you help with FEMA map amendments (LOMA/LOMR)?
Yes, Prime Engineering provides supporting data and documentation for FEMA submissions.
How long does an Elevation Certificate take?
Typically 1–2 weeks depending on site access and scheduling.
Do you survey coastal and inland properties?
Yes—we serve both coastal flood zones (AE, VE) and inland floodplain areas throughout Massachusetts.
Get a Quote
Tell us about your property
- Address and flood zone (if known)
- Purpose (insurance, permitting, rebuild, or FEMA application)
- Deadline or critical dates
- Any previous certificates or site plans (attach if available)
Call Us: 508-947-0050
Response time: Same or next business day