FEMA flood zone rules in Worcester County, MA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Worcester County has significant flood hazard areas along the Blackstone River and its tributaries. FEMA released preliminary Blackstone River Watershed flood map updates on November 26, 2024 — the first major update since 2011 — with new maps expected to take effect in summer 2028. Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA, Zone AE). No county floodplain ordinance; each city/town administers its own FEMA-compliant floodplain management program.
Worcester County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain management regulations. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year floodplain) must meet minimum construction standards. New buildings must be elevated above base flood elevation. Substantial improvements to existing structures trigger elevation requirements. Flood insurance required for federally-backed mortgages in SFHA zones. Fill and grading in floodways prohibited. Worcester County may maintain higher standards than FEMA minimums. Flood zone maps available through FEMA Map Service Center and local planning department.
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.
Worcester County, MA
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See how Worcester County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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