Floodplains are areas of land susceptible to inundation by floodwaters from any source. Special Flood Hazard Areas differ in that they adjoin a river, stream, or other inland or coastal waterway that is inundated by water during the 1% annual chance flood (100-year flood). The 1% annual chance flood is a flood event having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in magnitude in any given year. Special Flood Hazard Areas are considered a Wetland Resource Area under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and are depicted on Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) as Zones A, AE, AH, AO, AR, A99, V and VE.
Office of Coastal Zone Management Stormsmart Coasts
Interpreting Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study Reports
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA Flood Information Resources
Find a Flood Map for Your Property
