Flood Zones: Ayer vs Somerville
How do flood zones rules compare between Ayer, MA and Somerville, MA?
Ayer and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Ayer, MA
Middlesex County
Ayer's Floodplain Overlay District in Article 8 of the Zoning Bylaw regulates all FEMA Zone A and AE special flood hazard areas shown on the Middlesex County FIRM panels dated June 4, 2010, with new construction and encroachments generally prohibited.
View full Ayer 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 | Ayer | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Zoning Bylaw Article 8 (FOD) | - |
| FEMA Zones | A and AE | - |
| FIRM Effective Date | June 4, 2010 | - |
| FIRM Panels | 25017C0203E-0217E (8 panels) | - |
| Standard | 780 CMR flood-resistant | - |
| 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.
Ayer FAQ
Is my Ayer property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA's Map Service Center for Middlesex County FIRM panels effective June 4, 2010 to see if you are in Zone A or AE.
Can I build in Ayer's floodplain?
New construction in the Floodplain Overlay District is prohibited unless it meets 780 CMR flood-resistant standards and earns a special permit.
What FIRM panels cover Ayer?
Panels 25017C0203E, 0204E, 0208E, 0209E, 0211E, 0212E, 0216E, and 0217E, all dated June 4, 2010.
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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