Everett, MA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Section 9-2(b) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, says the exact boundaries of special flood hazard areas are defined by the 1%-chance base flood elevations shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map and further defined by the Middlesex County Flood Insurance Study report dated July 8, 2025. Where a map shows the elevation, that figure governs.

Section 9-28(b) covers Unnumbered A Zones. In A Zones with no FEMA base flood elevation data and floodway data, the building department obtains, reviews and reasonably uses base flood elevation and floodway data from a federal, state or other source. That data is the criteria for requiring new construction, substantial improvements or other development in Zone A, and the basis for elevating residential structures to or above base flood level, floodproofing or elevating nonresidential structures to or above base flood level, and prohibiting encroachments in floodways.

Section 9-28(d) puts a data burden on large projects. A proponent of subdivisions or other developments greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is less, must provide technical data to determine base flood elevations for each developable parcel shown on the design plans. Section 9-28(c) adds that subdivision and development proposals in the floodplain overlay district must minimize flood damage, locate public utilities and facilities to minimize flood damage, and provide adequate drainage.

Section 9-29(b) requires the City, if it acquires data that changes the base flood elevation in the FEMA mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, to notify FEMA within six months. Section 9-30(a) requires a letter to the owner of a structure built below the base flood level under a variance, stating that premium rates for flood insurance will increase up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage.