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A Boundary Survey and an Elevation Certificate sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. Knowing which one you need can save time and money during a home purchase, permit, or insurance change.
A Boundary Survey and an Elevation Certificate sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. Knowing which one you need can save time and money during a home purchase, permit, or insurance change.
When Each Applies
Boundary Survey: Defines exactly where your property begins and ends. Required for fences, additions, and resolving neighbor disputes.
Elevation Certificate: Measures your home’s finished-floor elevation relative to local flood zones. Required for flood insurance, new construction, or substantial renovations in FEMA-mapped areas.
Sometimes both are needed — for example, a waterfront property in a flood zone with a new fence or pool.
What Each Shows
Type
Focus
Used For
Boundary Survey
Property lines, monuments, improvements
Permits, fencing, additions, closings
Elevation Certificate
Vertical height vs Base Flood Elevation
Flood insurance, FEMA, building code
Cost & Timing
Boundary Surveys are typically billed per lot size and complexity; a simple parcel can take a few days.
Elevation Certificates usually add one field visit and report drafting—often completed within the same week.
Combined requests may qualify for a bundled rate when handled by the same licensed surveyor.
What to Prepare
Your property address or APN, deed or legal description, any prior survey, and if applicable, your FEMA flood-zone letter or insurance request.
How Survey Council Helps
We clarify which survey type you actually need and connect you with licensed surveyors who perform the work.
Survey Council is not a surveying firm and does not perform or offer to perform land-surveying services.
Need help deciding which applies to your property?
Need help deciding which applies to your property?
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