Massachusetts Town Amends Zoning Bylaw to Reduce Flood Losses

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).

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