Nicholas Rystrom, Engineer
(781) 286-8152
(781) 286-8153
Frequently Asked Questions
1. 1. What is a flood zone and is my property located within one?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) categorizes areas located in
close proximity to bodies of
water as varying in risk of flooding during common storm events. Location of a
property within the flood zones designated
by FEMA will typically have an impact on land usage and insurance costs. To
determine if your property is within a flood zone,
you can visit our office in City Hall or visit the FEMA website above.
2. 2. What are the extents of my property or a property that I am interested in purchasing?
The Engineering Dept. can provide reference information to
residents who wish to know the approximate size and shape of a
parcel of land within the City. 8 1/2" x 11" sized Parcel Maps (for reference
only) are available for $1 at the Engineering Dept.
office. For those residents seeking to determine the exact location of a
property line or land feature, consultation with a MA
registered land surveyor is required.
3. 3. When do I need a land survey?
Some scenarios that may warrant a land survey are:
When purchasing or selling land
Before the land is subdivided by deed or subdivision
When a lending institution requires a mortgage loan inspection
Before building a house, fence, septic system or other improvements close to the property line
When required by the City prior to the issuance of a building or other permit
For drainage planning, topographical and subsurface utility studies
When purchasing Title Insurance
When the property line location is in question and/or
an encroachment is suspected
For more information on land survey, or to find a MA
registered land surveyor you can visit the
MA Association of Land Surveyors & Civil Engineers website.
4. 4. Can I build an addition, add a deck, alter my driveway or make any other changes to my property?
Regulations and restrictions pertaining to development or
alteration of property in the City of Revere are set forth in the
City Code of Ordinances. Residents seeking to make any changes to their
property are required to go before Site Plan
Review for consultation and approval. Site Plan Review is held every Tuesday at
1pm in the Building Department.
Review is on a first come first served basis.
5. 5. When should I call Dig Safe?
Dig Safe should be contacted prior to any/all construction. It is the law
in MA to call 1-888-DIG-SAFE more than
72 hrs prior to beginning any work.
Useful Links:
MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (MA DCR)
MA Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP)
MA Department of transportation (MA DOT)
MA Office of Geographic Information (MA GIS)
MA Water Resources Authority (MWRA)
Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Please Note: information provided on this page is for reference only, please contact the Engineering Office directly for official information: engineer@revere.org