FEMA flood zone rules in Suffolk County, MA β also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules β determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Suffolk County has significant flood exposure, particularly in Revere (598 repetitive loss structures) and Boston's East Boston/waterfront neighborhoods. All four cities participate in NFIP. Zone AE covers coastal and low-lying areas throughout the county. MA building code requires BFE + 1 ft elevation. No county-level floodplain authority β each city manages its own floodplain program.
Suffolk County's entire Atlantic coast, Boston Harbor shoreline, and low-lying inland areas carry Zone AE (SFHA) designations. Cities must enforce floodplain management ordinances as a condition of NFIP participation. Massachusetts Building Code Design Flood Elevation: BFE + 1 ft (A Zones), BFE + 2 ft (V Zones). Sea level rise must be incorporated into coastal project design per 310 CMR 9.37. County government was abolished 1999; each city administers its own NFIP compliance.
Building in flood zones without proper permits violates local and federal requirements. Can affect community NFIP standing.
Suffolk County, MA
Amplified music in Suffolk County is regulated at the city level. Boston requires Entertainment Licenses from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs & Licens...
Suffolk County, MA
Driveway rules in Suffolk County are set by each city. Boston requires a curb-cut permit from the Public Improvement Commission, and blocking a Boston sidewa...
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 Β§21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-ba...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 Β§157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 Β§155). Rabies vaccination...
Suffolk County, MA
MA prohibits intentional feeding of black bears (MGL c. 131, Β§75A) and regulates feeding of white-tailed deer. Boston Health Code Β§2-2.8 prohibits feeding of...
See how Suffolk County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.