Elevated Building
Plain-English definition and practical context.
Definition: Elevated Building | ()
pronunciation: EL-uh-vay-tid BIL-ding
In flood insurance, an elevated building is a building without a basement where the lowest floor is raised above ground level using approved foundation systems.
These foundation systems may include:
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Foundation walls
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Shear walls
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Posts
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Piers
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Pilings
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Columns
Elevated buildings are commonly found in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and Coastal High Hazard Areas, where raising the lowest floor helps reduce flood damage and meet local floodplain management requirements.
How a building is elevated plays a major role in:
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Flood insurance eligibility
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Premium rating
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Compliance with local and federal floodplain regulations
For flood insurance purposes, areas below the elevated floor that are enclosed or partially enclosed may have limited coverage or no coverage, depending on how they are constructed and used.
Sources & Authority
Sources for Elevated Building
Defines elevated buildings and explains how elevation affects flood insurance eligibility and rating under NFIP rules.