Freeboard (NSW flood planning) — what it is and why it’s added
Freeboard is an additional height added to a flood level to provide a safety margin. This page explains what freeboard means and where to find the value used for your area. Online tools for flood are coming soon; fire safety tools are available now.
Freeboard explained: the extra height above a flood level included in Flood Planning Level (FPL) to manage uncertainty and local effects.
Quick answer
Freeboard is a height above the 1% AEP flood level that is included in the Flood Planning Level (FPL) to account for factors like wind, waves, unforeseen blockages and local hydraulic effects. The exact freeboard value is set by council policy.
How councils use freeboard
Councils use freeboard to provide a safety margin in design/planning controls. If you’re lodging a DA, your floor levels and report requirements will usually reference the council’s FPL definition.
What to do next
- Find your council’s FPL/freeboard policy.
- Confirm what applies to your property and proposal.
- Engage qualified professionals for modelling/design if required.
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- AFSS lodgement checklist (NSW)
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FAQs
Is freeboard always 0.5m in NSW?
Not always. Some councils use 0.5m, others use different values depending on risk profile and studies. Always check your council’s policy.
Does FireSafetyForms calculate freeboard?
Not today. Our tool will help organise evidence and produce a checklist; it won’t replace engineering advice or council determinations.
Official references
These links help you verify details with primary sources. (We don’t control third‑party sites.)
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| Bayside Council — Freeboard FAQ example | Open |
| Environment NSW — Flood risk management manual (PDF) | Open |