Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently developed Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for all jurisdictions in Norfolk County, including Wellesley. These copies can be found on this webpage. Additionally, you can also check changes on the Flood Map Changes Viewer (arcgis.com) or the Town of Wellesley Proposed FEMA Flood Zones Map.

The aforementioned maps and reports include proposed flood hazard information for certain locations in Town. The proposed flood hazard information may include additions or modifications of Special Flood Hazard Areas, the areas that would be inundated by the base (1-percent-annual-chance) flood; base flood elevations or depths; zone designations; or regulatory floodways. 

These proposed flood hazard determinations, if finalized, will become the basis for the floodplain management measures that the town must adopt to remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, before any new or modified flood hazard information is effective for floodplain management purposes, FEMA is providing community officials and citizens an opportunity to appeal the proposed flood hazard information presented on the preliminary revised maps and reports.

If any owner or lessee of property believes their property rights will be adversely affected by the proposed flood hazard determinations may file an appeal. The sole basis for such an appeal is the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect. The appeal data must be submitted to FEMA by November 30. Only appeals of the proposed flood hazard determinations supported by scientific or technical data can be considered before FEMA makes its final flood hazard determination at the end of the appeal period. The 90-day appeal period is statutory and cannot be extended. However, FEMA also will consider comments and inquiries regarding data other than the proposed flood hazard determinations (e.g., incorrect street names, typographical errors, omissions) that are submitted during the appeal period, and will incorporate any appropriate changes to the revised maps and reports before they become effective. (Visit FEMA's "Change Your Flood Zone Designation" page for more information.) 

Any interested party who wishes to appeal should present the data that tend to negate or contradict these findings to the Planning Department (planning@wellesleyma.gov) and the Select Board Office (sel@wellesleyma.gov)

FIS Reports

• Volume 1 of 7
• Volume 2 of 7
• Volume 3 of 7
• Volume 4 of 7
• Volume 5 of 7
• Volume 6 of 7
• Volume 7 of 7

FIRMs

• Panel 4
• Panel 8
• Panel 9
• Panel 12
• Panel 14
• Panel 16
• Panel 17
• Panel 18
• Panel 28
• Panel 36

Additional Information

• 90 Day Community Flood Map Notice
• FEMA Letter to Select Board
• FEMA page on Changing your Flood Zone Designation