In an attempt to lessen flood losses, the town of Hull, Massachusetts has amended their zoning bylaw to consider not only current, but future conditions. Notable changes include:
1. A requirement that the town’s review process ensures that a proposed project won’t cause or worsen flooding on other properties (sounds like a good NAI approach). The reviewers must include consideration of future sea levels.
2. A provision allowing homeowners to apply for a permit to elevate homes higher than the 35-foot height limit currently in the regulations if they’re doing so to protect their properties from floodwaters.
Impressive. Thanks to StormSmart member Anne Herbst for kindly sharing the exact language: you can download the Hull bylaw amendment language here (PDF).