Flood Zones in Dennis and Yarmouth likely to expand

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently updating flood maps.  On Cape Cod, Dennis will see the most changes. The preliminary maps have been released and are available on the Town of Dennis website at
http://dennismaplanningdept.wordpress.com/interactive-flood-zone-map/

Information regarding Yarmouth changes are on the Yarmouth website:
http://ma-yarmouth.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=911

Some properties now in low-risk zones B, C and X will be reclassified as high-risk zone A or V. If your property is affected by these changes and you have a mortgage, the mortgage company may require you to purchase flood insurance, especially if you refinance.

Properties currently in zones B, C and X qualify for low-cost "preferred risk" flood insurance. If your property is in these zones and you currently have flood insurance, or decide to purchase flood insurance before the new zones are official, you will be grandfathered in at current rates, which could result in substantial savings. 

Dennis and Yarmouth officials urge residents who are being reclassified to zone A or V to buy flood insurance now at the lower rates.

Call or stop by to see if you are affected by these changes.

The new maps are expected to be finalized in June 2010.


Cape Cod Times articles on this subject are at

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090821/NEWS/908210322/-1/NEWS01
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090804/NEWS/308049985
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090609/NEWS/906090321
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090602/NEWS/906020321

The Register also had an article in its August 20, 2009 edition:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/yarmouth/homepage/x1886171779/New-maps-could-mean-more-costly-insurance

(These links may be temporary).