Flood Planning Level (FPL) in NSW — plain English
Flood Planning Level (FPL) is used by councils to manage flood risk in planning and development assessment. This page explains FPL in plain English and links to official guidance and examples. Online tools for flood are coming soon; fire safety tools are available now.
What Flood Planning Level (FPL) means, how it relates to 1% AEP and freeboard, and how to find your council’s definition.
Quick answer
Flood Planning Level (FPL) is the planning benchmark used to manage flood risk in development controls. Councils commonly define it as the 1% AEP flood level plus an additional freeboard allowance, but the exact definition is council-specific.
How to find your council’s FPL
- Search your council website for “Flood Planning Level” or “FPL”.
- Check floodplain management FAQs or DCP guidance.
- If unclear, contact council and ask what applies to your property and proposal.
Why freeboard is added
Freeboard is an additional height above the 1% AEP level to account for uncertainty and local effects (wind, waves, blockages, etc.). See the freeboard page for details.
Get the NSW checklist
We’ll email the checklist + occasional updates as tools go live.
- AFSS lodgement checklist (NSW)
- Links to official templates
- Common mistakes that cause delays
Instant access. No spam. Unsubscribe any time. Tool only — not certification or professional advice.
FAQs
Is FPL always 1% AEP + freeboard?
Often, but not always. Councils may have different planning levels or policies for different precincts. Always use the council definition.
What if the property flooded recently — does that change the FPL?
Not directly. FPL is a planning benchmark set by policy and studies; confirm the relevant controls and mapping with council.
Official references
These links help you verify details with primary sources. (We don’t control third‑party sites.)
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| Bayside Council — Freeboard/FPL FAQ example | Open |
| Environment NSW — Flood risk management manual page | Open |