In flood insurance, what characterizes an 'elevated building'?

An elevated building is characterized by having its lowest elevated floor above ground level. This definition is critical in flood insurance as it directly impacts how a building is assessed in terms of flood risk and insurance premiums. Elevated buildings are typically designed to reduce the risk of flood damage by raising the structural elements above the anticipated flood level. The elevation helps to protect not only the integrity of the property itself but also its contents, as it minimizes the chances of water intrusion during a flood event.

In the context of flood insurance, homes and structures that are elevated may qualify for lower insurance costs, as they present a reduced risk when compared to those built at ground level. This classification is especially relevant in areas prone to flooding, influencing both construction regulations and insurance requirements.

Other choices do not fit this definition: buildings on a permanent foundation at ground level are at a higher risk for flooding, a mobile home parked on a high lot may not necessarily meet the criteria for elevation in terms of insurance definitions, and a building located in a flood plain does not inherently designate it as elevated; rather, it indicates the flood risk associated with that area without specifying the elevation of the structure itself. Therefore, option B clearly captures the essence of what constitutes an 'elevated building' in flood