Elevation Certificates are important documents used to understand the risk of flooding for properties located in certain areas. These certificates help homeowners, builders, and local governments follow the rules for flood insurance and safety.
In Port Richey, Florida, Elevation Certificates are often needed for properties in areas with a high risk of flooding, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
The Port Richey Police Department works alongside the Building Department to help residents and property owners access necessary information and follow proper procedures. This article explains how to obtain Elevation Certificates and lists the streets within Port Richey city limits that may be affected.
Table of Contents
What is an Elevation Certificate?
- Official Record: Elevation Certificates are official documents prepared by licensed surveyors or engineers.
- Flood Risk Measurement: They show the elevation of a building to the base flood elevation (BFE).
- Flood Insurance Requirement: They are used to determine flood insurance premiums.
- Compliance Tool: They help in meeting local building codes and FEMA regulations.
Why Elevation Certificates Matter in Port Richey
- Flood-Prone Area: Many parts of Port Richey fall under SFHAs.
- Safety Regulations: Certificates ensure buildings meet floodplain management requirements.
- Insurance Discounts: Proper certificates may help lower flood insurance costs.
- Disaster Planning: They support emergency management during hurricanes and heavy rainfall.
How to Obtain an Elevation Certificate
| Condition | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Property built after Nov 18, 1981, and in an SFHA | Contact the Building Department at 727-816-1900 ext. 155. They will check if an Elevation Certificate is already available on file. |
| Property built before Nov 18, 1981, and outside SFHA, or not substantially improved | Contact a licensed land surveyor to create a new Elevation Certificate. This process includes a professional site assessment and measurements. |
Role of the Building Department and Police Department
- Building Department
- Maintains records of Elevation Certificates.
- Offers guidance on flood regulations and construction requirements.
- Port Richey Police Department
- Helps ensure community safety and supports property checks during emergencies.
- Works with city officials to enforce zoning and emergency protocols.
When You May Need an Elevation Certificate
- Applying for flood insurance.
- Building a new home or making major changes to an existing one.
- Selling a home in a flood-prone area.
- Applying for disaster relief after storm damage.
- Verifying compliance with city floodplain management rules.
Important Contact Details
- Port Richey Building Department
- Phone: 727-816-1900 ext. 155
- Service: Check existing Elevation Certificates, offer building code guidance.
- Licensed Surveyor
- Service: Measure elevation levels, create new Elevation Certificates.
- Note: Costs vary based on property size and location.
List of Port Richey Streets Within City Limits
| Street Name | Street Name | Street Name |
|---|---|---|
| Able Drive | Deedra Circle | Pier Road |
| Alto Avenue | Dowell Court | Pine Hill Road |
| Anchorage Cove | Dream Drive | Queener Avenue |
| Apple Six Drive | Easy Drive | Quist Drive |
| Aquila Street | Ebbtide Lane | Rees Street |
| Argon Court | Fischer Drive | Regis Avenue |
| Bay Boulevard | Flaxen Drive | Ridge Road |
| Baylea Avenue | Formel Avenue | River Gulf Drive |
| Bay Park Blvd | Getts Drive | Sailwinds Pass |
| Bayview Street | Grand Blvd | Seapoint Court |
| Behms Court | Green Street | Sherwin Drive |
| Bench Drive | Harbor Pointe Dr | Shipman Lane |
| Berlin Drive | Hardy Street | Shoreview Court |
| Best Drive | Hayward Lane | Siesta Lane |
| Betty Street | Hiram Drive | Solie Court |
| Blue Point Drive | Island Drive | Springer Drive |
| Brent Street | James Clark | Squib Drive |
| Bridge Street | Koons Road | Sun Glo Avenue |
| Brighton Drive | Lantern Court | Ravenna Drive |
| Broadway Avenue | Limestone Drive | Richey Drive |
| Calhoune Street | Limit Drive | Sunset Boulevard |
| Candida Lane | Lorenzen Road | Tabor Lane |
| Candlelight Court | Mallett Drive | Tindell Court |
| Caney Court | Manatee Point Dr | Trails End Court |
| Carolyn Drive | Marabella Drive | Treadway Drive |
| Carpenter Street | Marina Palms Dr | Tropical Woods Ct |
| Castillian Way | Mercado Drive | Wall Street |
| Channel Drive | Miles Blvd | Washington Street |
| Chapel Drive | Miller Bayou Dr | Waterside Drive |
| Chasco Street | Milo Lane | Weber Lane |
| Cheers Drive | Navigator Court | Wells Court |
| Clark Moody Blvd | November Drive | Wilkins Street |
| Clover Driver | Oelsner Street | Wilmar Court |
| Cloyd Lane | Old Post Road | 7500โ7900 US Hwy 19 |
| Copper Lane | Old Ridge Road | ๏ปฟ |
| Cormel Avenue | Papaya Street | ๏ปฟ |
| Cotee Street | Pasco Way | ๏ปฟ |
| Cottage Court | December Drive | ๏ปฟ |
| Damen Lane | Davis Street | ๏ปฟ |
| Dasher Court | Leo Kidd | ๏ปฟ |
Tips Before Applying for an Elevation Certificate
- Check existing records first with the Building Department.
- Hire a qualified surveyor if no certificate is available.
- Make copies of all documents for insurance and real estate purposes.
- Ask about FEMA rules and how the certificate affects your property.
- Keep the certificate safe in case of emergencies or property sales.
How Elevation Certificates Help During Emergencies
- Faster Response: Authorities can access flood risk data easily.
- Better Planning: Helps the city plan evacuations and safety zones.
- Improved Insurance Claims: Accurate data speeds up claims for flood damage.
Benefits of Keeping an Elevation Certificate on File
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Quick Access | Speeds up response time during floods or hurricanes. |
| Lower Costs | Helps reduce flood insurance premiums. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Keeps property in line with city and FEMA requirements. |
| Property Value | Can support smoother real estate transactions. |
Final Analysis
Elevation Certificates are key tools in flood safety and property planning in Port Richey. Residents living in areas near water or those listed above should ensure they understand how to obtain and use these certificates. By checking records, contacting surveyors, and keeping documents updated, property owners can protect both their homes and their families. The Port Richey Police Department and Building Department are valuable resources in this process and should be contacted for any support.
