Flood Zones: Fitchburg vs Webster
How do flood zones rules compare between Fitchburg, MA and Webster, MA?
Fitchburg and Webster have similar restriction levels.
Fitchburg, MA
Worcester County
Fitchburg participates in NFIP. Flood construction regulated under 780 CMR (IBC Appendix G) and ASCE 24 (BFE +1 ft minimum). Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, §40) regulates work within 100 ft of wetlands. Conservation Commission reviews wetland permits.
View full Fitchburg rules →Webster, MA
Worcester County
Worcester County has significant flood hazard areas along the Blackstone River and its tributaries. FEMA released preliminary Blackstone River Watershed flood map updates on November 26, 2024 — the first major update since 2011 — with new maps expected to take effect in summer 2028. Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA, Zone AE). No county floodplain ordinance; each city/town administers its own FEMA-compliant floodplain management program.
View full Webster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Webster |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP | City participates | - |
| State Code | 780 CMR IBC Appendix G | - |
| Wetlands Buffer | MGL c. 131, §40 — 100 ft | - |
| Elevation Req. | BFE + 1 ft min (ASCE 24) | - |
| Key Watershed | - | Blackstone River and tributaries |
| FEMA Update | - | Preliminary maps released Nov. 26, 2024 |
| New Maps Effective | - | Expected summer 2028 |
| County Code | - | None — county abolished 1998 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fitchburg FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Fitchburg?
Fitchburg participates in NFIP. Flood construction regulated under 780 CMR (IBC Appendix G) and ASCE 24 (BFE +1 ft minimum). Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, §40) regulates work within 100 ft of wetlands. Conservation Commission reviews wetland permits.
Do I need flood insurance in Fitchburg?
NFIP: City participates. State Code: 780 CMR IBC Appendix G. Wetlands Buffer: MGL c. 131, §40 — 100 ft. Elevation Req.: BFE + 1 ft min (ASCE 24).
Webster FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Worcester County?
Worcester County has significant flood hazard areas along the Blackstone River and its tributaries. FEMA released preliminary Blackstone River Watershed flood map updates on November 26, 2024 — the first major update since 2011 — with new maps expected to take effect in summer 2028. Flood...
Do I need flood insurance in Worcester County?
Key Watershed: Blackstone River and tributaries. FEMA Update: Preliminary maps released Nov. 26, 2024. New Maps Effective: Expected summer 2028. County Code: None — county abolished 1998.
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