Homeowners whose properties are considered to be within high-risk zones are often required by their lenders to obtain flood insurance. If the homeowner does not agree with this requirement, they can dispute it by getting a flood zone determination from FEMA. If the lowest adjacent grade elevation of the structure or the lowest lot elevation…
In Boston Certified Plot Plans are required by the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department when you’re filing certain applications, including a Long Form Application, (BD-1, BD-1A) or (BD-2, 2A) Application to Amend Plans, and Permission for Use of Premises Application. Certified Plot Plans are stamped plans which must be drawn up by a Massachusetts…
There are many reasons why you may need the services of a land surveyor. Recently we conducted a property survey in Newton, MA. The homeowners were intending to cut down several trees on their property but first wanted a land survey to make certain that the trees were, in fact, on their property and not…
We did a property survey in Lexington the other day for a homeowner planning to have an addition built on his house. Once we completed this Lexington land survey, we discovered that part of the property is in protected wetlands. Unfortunately, after consulting with a wetlands specialist, the homeowner learned that his planned addition could…
We completed a property survey in Wellesley with stakeout recently. The homeowners wanted their land surveyed prior to putting up a fence, something which we see pretty frequently. When installing a fence or other structure on or close to the property line, it’s definitely a good idea to have your property surveyed first. In the…
Within the town of Winchester there are several potential flooding sources, the most significant of which are the Aberjona River and its tributary Horn Pond Brook. Several other bodies of water also pose a flood risk, including Wedge Pond, Winter Pond, and Upper Mystic Lake. If you’re looking for information about elevation certificates in Winchester,…
Given recent updates to FEMA’s flood maps, many Massachusetts residents are understandably concerned about the increasing cost of flood insurance. If your home is in a flood zone but you question the flood zone designation, you can obtain the services of a licensed land surveyor who can complete a survey and elevation certificate for your…
We recently performed a land survey in Boston, Massachusetts, for a criminal court case. Though many people don’t realize this, land surveyors are occasionally called upon to provide expert testimony in civil cases and sometimes even criminal cases. Perhaps the most obvious would be court cases involving boundary disputes where a land surveyor may need…
Are you seeking an elevation certificate in Winthrop for your property? You’re not alone. Many towns across Massachusetts have seen increased flood insurance premiums, along with increased concern from residents as a result, and Winthrop is no exception. Winthrop’s Precinct 4 Town Councilor Craig Mael has some very helpful information on the subject, including information…
FEMA’s Flood Hazard Mapping Program, in collaboration with individual states and communities, is designed to assess flood risk and identify flood hazards. An essential component of the National Flood Insurance Program, these flood maps (officially known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMS) identify at-risk areas which are then designated as a Special Flood Hazard…