Portland Floodplain Elevation Certificates - Where to Get

Land Use and Zoning Oregon 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Oregon

In Portland, Oregon, elevation certificates are a standard requirement for floodplain development, permit approval, and flood insurance rating. This guide explains where to obtain certified elevation certificates, which offices accept them, how to submit one with permits, and practical steps for property owners, surveyors, and contractors. It covers the local permitting context, the FEMA-standard Elevation Certificate form, inspection and submission pathways, and where to get official help from the Bureau of Development Services and related city offices. Use the links and steps below to confirm exact forms, fees, and submittal methods before filing.

Always verify the current FEMA form version before ordering a survey.

Where to get an elevation certificate

Portland does not issue elevation certificates itself; they are prepared by licensed surveyors or engineers using the FEMA Elevation Certificate form. The City’s building and floodplain pages explain submission requirements and when an elevation certificate is required for permits and insurance.[1] For the federal standard form and instructions, use FEMA’s elevation certificate resources.[2]

  • Licensed land surveyors or professional engineers: request a FEMA Elevation Certificate with elevations tied to the official datum.
  • City plan reviewers: confirm whether an elevation certificate is required for your permit type.
  • Floodplain consultants: they can coordinate survey and form completion for complex sites.

Permits and when an elevation certificate is required

Elevation certificates are typically required for new construction, substantial improvements, and certain permits in identified flood hazard areas. Submit the completed FEMA Elevation Certificate with your building permit or floodplain development permit application per the Bureau of Development Services instructions.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The Bureau of Development Services enforces floodplain and building permit rules, and violation penalties depend on the ordinance and case facts. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties for floodplain violations are not specified on the cited City permit/floodplain pages; see the city code or contact BDS for amounts and enforcement procedures.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, revocation of permits, required corrective work, and court enforcement are possible under city authority.
  • Enforcer: Bureau of Development Services (plan reviewers, inspectors) and other city regulatory staff; complaints route through official BDS contact channels.
  • Appeals: permit decisions and enforcement orders typically have appeal or review routes described by BDS; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defenses/discretion: variances, permits, or demonstrated compliance can be raised; check variance procedures with BDS.

Applications & Forms

The FEMA Elevation Certificate form is the standard form used for floodplain elevations. Portland’s permit submittal pages specify when to upload or attach a completed certificate to your permit application. Specific city forms or local variants are described on the BDS floodplain and permit pages.[1]

Submit the elevation certificate with your building permit application when requested by plan review.

How to obtain a certified elevation certificate

  1. Contact a licensed surveyor or engineer and request a FEMA Elevation Certificate completed to federal datum and local requirements.
  2. Confirm the required FEMA form version and certificate sections with BDS before scheduling the survey.[1]
  3. Arrange site access and provide plans or permit numbers to the surveyor.
  4. Pay surveyor fees; keep receipts and the signed certificate for permit submission and insurance.
  5. Upload or attach the signed elevation certificate to your building or floodplain permit application per BDS submission instructions.

FAQ

Who can prepare an elevation certificate?
A licensed land surveyor or professional engineer must prepare and sign the FEMA Elevation Certificate.
Does the city issue elevation certificates?
No, the City does not issue elevation certificates; they are prepared by private licensed professionals and submitted to the City as part of permit review.[1]
Which FEMA form should I use?
Use the current FEMA Elevation Certificate form and instructions available from FEMA; confirm the required version with Portland BDS.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify whether your property is in a floodplain using Portland Maps or permit guidance.
  2. Contact a licensed surveyor and request the FEMA Elevation Certificate.
  3. Receive the signed certificate and review it for completeness (datum, signature, sections A–G as applicable).
  4. Submit the certificate with your permit application per BDS instructions and retain copies for insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • Elevation certificates are prepared by licensed professionals using FEMA's form.
  • Submit the certificate with your permit application to the Bureau of Development Services.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Portland Bureau of Development Services - Floodplain development and permit guidance
  2. [2] FEMA - Elevation Certificates

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