Flood Zones: Foster Center vs Providence
How do flood zones rules compare between Foster Center, RI and Providence, RI?
Foster Center and Providence have similar restriction levels.
Foster Center, RI
Providence County
All 39 Rhode Island municipalities participate in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Providence County is highly vulnerable to riverine flooding from the Blackstone, Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, Pawtuxet, and Ten Mile Rivers, as well as coastal flooding from Narragansett Bay. RIDEM administers floodplain management under RIGL Title 46. The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC, RIGL 46-23) oversees development within approximately 200 feet of coastal features. Many municipalities have adopted freeboard requirements of 1 to 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation. The historic March 2010 floods caused widespread damage throughout Providence County.
View full Foster Center rules →Providence, RI
Providence County
Providence participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and regulates development in flood-prone areas. The city faces flood risk from the Providence River, Narragansett Bay, and coastal storm surge.
View full Providence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Foster Center | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| FEMA Participation | All 39 RI municipalities | - |
| State Authority | RIDEM (RIGL Title 46) | - |
| Coastal Authority | CRMC (RIGL 46-23) | - |
| CRMC Buffer | ~200 ft from coastal features | - |
| Freeboard | 1–2 ft above BFE (common) | - |
| Major Flood Risk | Blackstone, Pawtuxet, Ten Mile Rivers | - |
| NFIP | - | Providence participates |
| Elevation | - | Lowest floor at or above BFE |
| Flood Sources | - | Providence River, Narragansett Bay, storm surge |
| Hurricane Barrier | - | Fox Point Barrier protects parts of city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Foster Center FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Providence County?
All 39 Rhode Island municipalities participate in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Providence County is highly vulnerable to riverine flooding from the Blackstone, Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, Pawtuxet, and Ten Mile Rivers, as well as coastal flooding from Narragansett Bay. RIDEM...
Do I need flood insurance in Providence County?
FEMA Participation: All 39 RI municipalities. State Authority: RIDEM (RIGL Title 46). Coastal Authority: CRMC (RIGL 46-23). CRMC Buffer: ~200 ft from coastal features.
Providence FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Providence?
Check FEMA flood maps or contact the city's planning department. Providence faces flood risk from rivers and Narragansett Bay. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas need flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
Does the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier protect all of Providence?
No. The barrier protects parts of downtown and the East Side from storm surge, but many areas remain in FEMA flood zones and must meet elevation and insurance requirements.
Compare other topics
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