Planning board backs update to Lowell floodplain overlay to match state and FEMA maps

The Lowell Planning Board voted unanimously Thursday to recommend a zoning amendment that updates the city's floodplain overlay district to align with state guidance and revised FEMA maps.

Staff told the board the amendment adopts model language from the state to keep local regulations consistent with updated flood maps so that property owners in mapped areas can continue to obtain flood insurance. A staff member summarized the purpose: "FEMA comes out with new flood maps periodically. The state reaches out and says, hey, you need to update your flood plain ordinance locally that references these new maps to ensure that residents in your city can continue to get flood insurance." The board said the text presented was the model bylaw reviewed by the state's floodplain management team.

Board members who have experience with local flooding and flood insurance supported the measure, emphasizing the local importance of compliance with federal and state mapping. Member Jeremy noted that federally insured lending institutions require flood insurance for properties in mapped flood zones and described past local flood responses as context for the need to maintain compliance. The board asked no substantive edits to the model language and voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council.

The action implements a routine, state‑driven update: staff said the model bylaw had been reviewed multiple times by state reviewers and that approval by the council would inform the state that Lowell has updated its ordinance.