Building Diagrams
The following diagrams illustrate various types of buildings. Compare the features of the building being certified with
the features shown in the diagrams and select the diagram most applicable. Enter the diagram number in Item A7,
the square footage of crawlspace or enclosure(s) and the area of flood openings in square inches in Items A8.a–c,
the square footage of attached garage and the area of flood openings in square inches in Items A9.a–c, and the
elevations in Items C2.a–h.
In A zones, the floor elevation is taken at the top finished surface of the floor indicated; in V zones, the floor elevation
is taken at the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member (see drawing in instructions for Section C).
DIAGRAM 1A
DIAGRAM 1B
All slab-on-grade single- and multiple-floor buildings
All raised-slab-on-grade or slab-on-stem-wall-with-fill
(other than split-level) and high-rise buildings, either
single- and multiple-floor buildings (other than split-
detached or row type (e.g., townhouses); with or
level), either detached or row type (e.g., townhouses);
without attached garage.
with or without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor is at or above
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor is at or above
ground level (grade) on at least 1 side.*
ground level (grade) on at least 1 side.*
DIAGRAM 2A
DIAGRAM 2B
All single- and multiple-floor buildings with basement
All single- and multiple-floor buildings with basement
(other than split-level) and high-rise buildings with
(other than split-level) and high-rise buildings with
basement, either detached or row type
basement, either detached or row type
(e.g., townhouses); with or without attached garage.
(e.g., townhouses); with or without attached garage.
Distinguishing Feature
The bottom floor (basement or
Distinguishing Feature – The bottom floor (basement
–
or underground garage) is below ground level (grade) on
underground garage) is below ground level (grade) on all
all sides.*
sides; most of the height of the walls is below ground level
on all sides; and the door and area of egress are also
below ground level on all sides.*
* A floor that is below ground level (grade) on all sides is considered a basement even if the floor is used for living purposes, or as an office,
garage, workshop, etc.
NFIP Elevation Certificate Instructions – Page 7 of 9