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Norfolk County, MA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Norfolk County, MA, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Flood Risk Areas: Neponset River, Weymouth Back River, coastal estuaries
FEMA Maps: FIRMs available at msc.fema.gov
Flood Insurance: Required in SFHAs with federally backed mortgages
State Law: MGL c. 131 Wetlands Protection Act; 310 CMR 10.00
Local Enforcement: Town Conservation Commission and Building Dept.

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Norfolk County, MA.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Norfolk County, MA on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Norfolk County has significant flood risk from the Neponset River, Weymouth Back River, and coastal areas. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) apply. Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas requires elevation certificates and flood zone compliance under Massachusetts and NFIP rules.

City-specific rules exist: Weymouth, and Quincy have their own flood zones rules that differ from Norfolk County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Section 40. No person shall remove, fill, dredge or alter any bank, riverfront area, fresh water wetland, coastal wetland, beach, dune, flat, marsh, meadow or swamp bordering on the ocean or on any estuary, creek, river, stream, pond, or lake, or any land under said waters or any land subject to tidal action, coastal storm flowage, or flooding, other than in the course of maintaining, repairing or replacing, but not substantially changing or enlarging, an existing and lawfully located structure or facility used in the service of the public and used to provide electric, gas, sewer, water, telep

Source: Norfolk County MassachusettsView official code

Full Breakdown

Norfolk County includes areas of significant flood risk, particularly along the Neponset River corridor (Quincy, Milton, Canton, Norwood), Weymouth Back River (Weymouth, Braintree), Fore River estuary, and coastal communities. FEMA designates flood zones on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) available at msc.fema.gov. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs. Zone A or AE) are required to carry flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage. Development in SFHAs requires compliance with local floodplain management bylaws under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Massachusetts requires municipalities participating in the NFIP to adopt floodplain management regulations (typically in local zoning bylaws, Chapter 131 Wetlands Protection Act, and 310 CMR 10.00). Norfolk County itself does not administer NFIP compliance; each municipality administers its own floodplain bylaw through the local Conservation Commission and building department.

Violations & Fines

Building in floodplain without permit or below required base flood elevation: potential NFIP compliance violations, loss of community NFIP participation, fines under local bylaws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my property in a flood zone in Norfolk County?

Do I need flood insurance in Norfolk County?

Flood Risk Areas: Neponset River, Weymouth Back River, coastal estuaries. FEMA Maps: FIRMs available at msc.fema.gov. Flood Insurance: Required in SFHAs with federally backed mortgages. State Law: MGL c. 131 Wetlands Protection Act; 310 CMR 10.00.

Sources & Official References

[1]Norfolk County Massachusetts

Other rules in Norfolk County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingHeavy Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursFew Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsFew Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Norfolk County rules

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Flood Zones in Cities Across Norfolk County

Quincy, MA Brookline, MA Weymouth, MA