California Surveyors Forums

Form 81-31 instructions are not clear on this.

Since FEMA Flood Certs usually do not require the establishment of parcel boundaries, in my opinion, post-'82 PEs are authorized to complete and sign 81-31s. (ref: PE Act §6731.1(a))

On the other hand, if a determination is made as to the relationship of a particular parcel to the boundary of a particular zone on a FEMA Flood Map, that might be construed as the practice of boundary surveying under PLS Act 8726(c), (e) [stretch] and (g). Additionally, the certification makes a statement concerning the validity and accuracy of the surveyed data shown on the 81-31. That would be a violation under §8726(n).

It might be worth a question to the Board for their interpretation.

Well, the elevation certificate form lists "Architect" as a person who can certify. I would guess that any engineer would qualify for FEMA. You have a good point about showing the relationship of parcels to zones when practicing in CA. It does seem like it would be defined as land surveying according to 8726.

I believe engineers can do flood certificates: see 6731.1 of the PE Act.