Bristol County, MA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Bristol 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
- 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
Summary
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.
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, telephone, telegraph and other telecommunication services, without filing written notice of his intention to so remove, fill, dredge or alter, including such plans as may be necessary to describe s
Full Breakdown
Bristol County's flood risk areas include the Taunton River watershed, Buzzards Bay coastline, Mount Hope Bay, and numerous tributaries. New Bedford's Hurricane Protection Barrier protects approximately 1,400 acres. All NFIP-participating communities must adopt a Floodplain Overlay District encompassing FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Development in flood zones must comply with FEMA and state requirements. The county includes three hurricane evacuation zones in coastal areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my property in a flood zone in Bristol County?
Do I need flood insurance in Bristol County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts environmental rules overview
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