Flood Zones: Arlington vs Somerville
How do flood zones rules compare between Arlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Arlington and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
FEMA FIRMs govern flood zones. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas must meet the MA State Building Code 780 CMR and local floodplain bylaws.
View full Arlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Parts of Somerville near the Mystic River and Alewife Brook are FEMA Zone AE. New construction in the floodplain must elevate 2 feet above BFE.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Maps | FEMA FIRM | - |
| Code | 780 CMR App G | - |
| Elevation | Lowest floor at BFE | - |
| Program | NFIP | - |
| Cert needed | Elevation Certificate | - |
| Zones present | - | AE and X-shaded |
| Freeboard | - | 2 feet above BFE |
| Substantial improvement | - | 50 percent rule |
| Insurance | - | Required in SFHA with mortgage |
| Key areas | - | Mystic River, Alewife Brook, Assembly |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
How do I check my flood zone?
Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or call your city or town engineer.
Is flood insurance required?
It is required for federally backed mortgages on properties in SFHAs.
Somerville FAQ
How do I find out if my Somerville property is in a flood zone?
Enter your address at the FEMA Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) to pull the FIRM panel and Base Flood Elevation, or call Somerville Planning for a letter.
Can I finish my basement in a flood zone?
Enclosed space below BFE must be used only for parking, access, or storage and needs flood vents. Habitable finishes below BFE are prohibited for substantial improvements.
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