Can an elevation be e-signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted. Ensure signatory intent, consumer consent when required, and reliable record retention.

Is a notary always required?

Not always. Notarization depends on local permit rules and whether the drawing requires a certified affidavit. Deeds and some submissions commonly require notarization per municipal practice.

When is a licensed stamp required?

Local jurisdictions typically require an architect or engineer stamp when the work involves regulated design, structural changes, or is identified in municipal checklists; verify with the permitting authority.

Can remote online notarization (RON) be used?

Many states permit RON under state rules; RON requires identity proofing and audio-video recording. Confirm the state notary commission and NCSL guidance for current status.

How do I correct an approved elevation?

Submit a revision or amendment per the authority’s resubmittal process, include a revision date and description, and obtain re-certification by the licensed professional if necessary.

Where should I file the document?

File with the local building department or planning office specified in the permit packet. Some jurisdictions accept electronic submissions while others require paper; confirm submittal rules in advance.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Building Elevation Document

Building Elevation Document

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BUILDING ELEVATION DOCUMENT

This Building Elevation Document records measured vertical elevations and related site information for the property identified below and provides the certifications required by the receiving authority and the property owner. Property Owner: . Primary Contact Phone: Email:

PARTIES

Property Owner (Name and Mailing Address) Licensed Surveyor / Engineer (Name and Firm)

PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION

Property Address Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

PROJECT / BUILDING INFORMATION

Project Description / Use

Building Type

Number of Stories

Foundation Type Proposed or Existing Work (if applicable)

ELEVATION DATA (Measured to topography and permanent benchmarks)

Vertical Datum Used: Reference Benchmark ID: Benchmark Elevation:

Date of Field Survey: Survey Method:

Finished Floor Elevation (FFE): Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG):

Lowest Floor Elevation (including basement or slab): Lowest Opening Elevation (windows/doors):

Top of Curb Elevation: Top of Roof / Ridge Elevation:

FLOODPLAIN / SITE STATUS

Flood Zone Designation Known: Yes No If known, Zone Code:

Site Disclosures (check applicable)

Prior flood damage reported
Site contains wetlands or waterways
Within a designated historic district
Structure constructed before 1978 (possible lead-based paint)

ATTACHMENTS / DELIVERABLES

The following documents are attached to and form part of this Building Elevation Document:

Site plan / plat showing building footprint Architectural elevation drawings Surveyor's field notes and certified survey Other Attachments (describe)

SURVEYOR CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the elevations and site data reported on this Building Elevation Document were determined from field measurements taken under my direct supervision, that the benchmarks and datum identified herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that the elevations are accurate to the standard of practice for the type of survey performed. The horizontal and vertical control used for this survey are described in the attached survey report. This certification is given for the benefit of the property owner and for official use by permit and insurance authorities.

Surveyor Name

License / Registration Number

License Issuing State

Limitations and Intended Use

LEGAL TERMS

Limitation of Liability: The surveyor's liability for errors or omissions in this Building Elevation Document is limited to correction of reported inaccuracies and to liability as established by applicable law. The surveyor is not responsible for changes to site conditions after the date of the field survey.

Use and Reliance: This document is intended for use by the named property owner and by permitting or insurance entities for the specific property addressed. Any other use is at the user's risk and may require additional verification.

Governing Law: This Building Elevation Document shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the property is located, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

Entire Agreement: This document, together with listed attachments, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the matters set forth herein and supersedes prior oral or written discussions related to these elevation determinations.

REVISIONS / NOTATIONS

Property Owner (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Surveyor / Engineer (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

What the Building Elevation Document Is and when it’s used

A Building Elevation Document provides a scaled, annotated drawing of a building facade showing vertical dimensions, exterior finish materials, window and door locations, rooflines, and critical height measurements. It is used by architects, engineers, contractors, permitting authorities, and surveyors to confirm design intent, verify compliance with zoning and building codes, and support permit applications or construction bid packages. Elevation drawings may accompany site plans and floor plans and are commonly required for new construction, additions, exterior renovations, and historic-preservation reviews.

Why a clear elevation drawing matters for your project

A complete Building Elevation Document reduces permitting delays, helps detect design conflicts early, and provides an authoritative reference for construction and inspections.

Typical roles that prepare or rely on elevation documents

Professionals and stakeholders who prepare, review, or rely on elevation drawings vary by project scale and regulatory context.

Architects and designers: deliver stamped elevations for code review and contractor reference.
General contractors: use elevations to develop scopes, pricing, and sequencing for exterior work.
Building officials and plan reviewers: require elevations to assess code and zoning compliance.

Knowing who needs the document helps set required detail level, authentication, and distribution channels for permit or construction workflows.

Step-by-step: preparing an elevation drawing for permitting

Follow a consistent sequence to produce a permit-ready elevation: collect site data, draft elevations, add annotations, obtain professional sign-off, and submit to authorities.

01

Gather requirements: Confirm municipal submittal checklist and scale requirements.
02

Draft elevations: Produce north/south/east/west elevations with dimensions and materials.
03

Add annotations: Include window/door schedules, finish notes, and roof details.
04

Obtain sign-off: Get licensed professional stamp and signature before filing.

From draft to approval: typical workflow for elevation submissions

A streamlined workflow clarifies responsibilities and shortens review times. The following stages reflect common municipal and project practices.

Prepare: Designer creates initial elevations and confirms code requirements.
Internal review: Project team checks dimensions, materials, and callouts.
Professional certification: Licensed architect/engineer signs and dates the drawing set.
Submit: File with permitting authority and track review status.

Essential elements of a professional Building Elevation Document

A permit-ready elevation balances clarity and regulatory detail. Include measurable callouts and authoritative notes so reviewers and builders can rely on the drawing.

Overall Height

Show the building’s finished grade to highest point measurement and clearly label how height is measured for zoning and code conformity.

Fenestration

Indicate window and door sizes, types, and locations with schedules that reference manufacturer data when required by code.

Materials Legend

Provide a keyed legend listing all exterior finishes and their locations, including color, texture, and installation notes as needed.

Roof Details

Illustrate roof slope, drainage, parapet heights, and rooftop equipment locations that could affect building height calculations.

Vertical Dimensions

Include floor elevations, parapet heights, and offsets with precise dimension lines to avoid misinterpretation during construction.

Code Notes

Reference applicable code sections, fire-resistance requirements, and any design exceptions or variances granted by authorities.

Supporting documents commonly paired with elevation drawings

Permit reviewers often expect a concise package. Attach related documents that clarify site conditions and compliance details.

Site Plan

Shows building location, setbacks, grade, and relationships to property lines and neighboring structures for zoning compliance.

Floor Plans

Complement elevations by clarifying interior layouts, egress paths, and vertical circulation that influence exterior openings.

Structural Notes

Provide load paths, framing notes, and connection details where exterior changes affect structural systems.

Energy Compliance

Attach energy code forms, window U-factor and SHGC data, and insulation specifications required for final approval.

Core identifying details to include on every elevation sheet

Project ID: Unique project identifier

Sheet Number: Consistent sheet numbering

Revision Date: Latest revision date

Author: Designer name and company

Professional Stamp: License and seal

Scale: Graphic and numeric scale

Who signs and certifies elevation drawings

Licensed Architect

A licensed architect typically signs elevations for conformity with architectural design and local code. Their stamp and signature certify that the drawings meet professional standards and jurisdictional requirements.

Professional Engineer

A structural or civil engineer may be required to sign where elevations affect structural elements or grading. Engineer certification supports structural calculations and ensures safety compliance.

Common errors that cause permit or construction delays

Missing scale or inconsistent scale between sheets leads to dimension misreading and review rejection.
Omitting licensed professional signature or seal when required by local code will prevent plan acceptance.
Unspecified materials or vague callouts prompt requests for additional clarifications and slow approval.
Incorrect height measurements or failure to show grade datum cause zoning noncompliance and re-submittal.

Regulatory risks and consequences of incorrect elevation documentation

Permit Rejection: Delayed approval

Stop Work Order: On-site construction halt

Fines: Monetary penalties

Mandatory Rebuilds: Corrective construction

Liability Exposure: Increased legal risk

Insurance Issues: Coverage disputes

Time expectations and typical review timelines

Review times and deadlines depend on project type and jurisdiction. Plan for municipal review, corrections cycles, and final inspection scheduling.

Initial Plan Review:

Often 2–8 weeks depending on municipality workload.

Correction Cycle:

Allow 1–3 weeks per response round for resubmittals.

Final Permit Issuance:

After corrections, issuance may take 1–2 weeks.

Inspection Scheduling:

Inspector availability may add 1–4 weeks.

Expiry of Approval:

Some approvals lapse after 6–36 months if work is not started.

Representative eSignature vendor pricing and capability snapshot

Pricing and features vary by plan and billing model. The table compares starting price and common capability indicators across major vendors with signNow listed first.

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Frequently asked questions about Building Elevation Documents

Answers address common legal, technical, and filing questions to reduce review cycles and minimize risk during permitting or construction.

Need help? Contact support

Can an elevation be e-signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted. Ensure signatory intent, consumer consent when required, and reliable record retention.
Is a notary always required?
Not always. Notarization depends on local permit rules and whether the drawing requires a certified affidavit. Deeds and some submissions commonly require notarization per municipal practice.
When is a licensed stamp required?
Local jurisdictions typically require an architect or engineer stamp when the work involves regulated design, structural changes, or is identified in municipal checklists; verify with the permitting authority.
Can remote online notarization (RON) be used?
Many states permit RON under state rules; RON requires identity proofing and audio-video recording. Confirm the state notary commission and NCSL guidance for current status.
How do I correct an approved elevation?
Submit a revision or amendment per the authority’s resubmittal process, include a revision date and description, and obtain re-certification by the licensed professional if necessary.
Where should I file the document?
File with the local building department or planning office specified in the permit packet. Some jurisdictions accept electronic submissions while others require paper; confirm submittal rules in advance.

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