Flood Zones: New Bedford vs Somerset
How do flood zones rules compare between New Bedford, MA and Somerset, MA?
Somerset has fewer restrictions than New Bedford.
New Bedford, MA
Bristol County
New Bedford has FEMA-designated flood zones and is protected by the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier, constructed 1962-1966 across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor. The barrier protects approximately 1,400 acres from tidal flooding. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (effective July 16, 2014) designate special flood hazard areas.
View full New Bedford rules →Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Bristol County has significant FEMA-designated flood zones along the Taunton River, Buzzards Bay coast, and Mount Hope Bay. New Bedford is protected by the Hurricane Protection Barrier (constructed 1962-1966). All participating communities must enforce floodplain overlay districts as part of the National Flood Insurance Program.
View full Somerset rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Bedford | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Barrier | Protects 1,400 acres since 1966 | New Bedford — protects 1,400 acres |
| FEMA FIRM Date | July 16, 2014 | - |
| NFIP | City participates | All communities participate |
| Evacuation Zones | A, B, and C designated | - |
| Major Flood Areas | - | Taunton River, Buzzards Bay, Mount Hope Bay |
| Floodplain Overlay | - | Required in all SFHA communities |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Bedford FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in New Bedford?
New Bedford has FEMA-designated flood zones and is protected by the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier, constructed 1962-1966 across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor. The barrier protects approximately 1,400 acres from tidal flooding. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (effective July 16,...
Do I need flood insurance in New Bedford?
Hurricane Barrier: Protects 1,400 acres since 1966. FEMA FIRM Date: July 16, 2014. NFIP: City participates. Evacuation Zones: A, B, and C designated.
Somerset FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Bristol County?
Bristol County has significant FEMA-designated flood zones along the Taunton River, Buzzards Bay coast, and Mount Hope Bay. New Bedford is protected by the Hurricane Protection Barrier (constructed 1962-1966). All participating communities must enforce floodplain overlay districts as part of the...
Do I need flood insurance in Bristol County?
Major Flood Areas: Taunton River, Buzzards Bay, Mount Hope Bay. Hurricane Barrier: New Bedford — protects 1,400 acres. NFIP: All communities participate. Floodplain Overlay: Required in all SFHA communities.
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