FEMA flood zone rules in New Bedford, MA β also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules β determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
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.
The New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier spans New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor, protecting about 1,400 acres in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet from hurricane and coastal storm tidal flooding. Built for $18.5 million (roughly $181 million today), it has prevented over $37.9 million in flood damages. The barrier gates close up to a dozen times yearly for storm events. FEMA FIRMs (effective July 16, 2014) designate flood zones. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Three hurricane evacuation zones (A, B, C) are designated.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is decl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford declares habitual barking dogs a public nuisance under the city ordinance. The keeping of any dog which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or ...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates construction noise under its general ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise and disturb the neighbor...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford enforces snow emergency parking bans during winter storms under Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances. During a snow ban, parking is allowed on th...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under Β§23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must compl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-stree...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle flood zones.
See how New Bedford's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.