Construction in flood hazard areas

Queensland Development Code MP 3.5 – Construction of buildings in flood hazard areas (PDF, 59KB) commenced on 26 October 2012.

Changes were made to the Building Regulation 2006 on 20 December 2013 to align with the new State Planning Policy 2013 and to refine the operation of MP 3.5.

MP 3.5 applies to building work done in an area that:

• is a designated flood hazard area
• has a defined flood level declared for the area.

A local government can designate and declare a flood hazard area, defined flood level and other information allowed under section 13 of the Building Regulation 2006 to apply building requirements, including MP 3.5.

A designation or declaration must be stated in a planning scheme, temporary local planning instrument or resolution as being made under the Regulation.

When designating a flood hazard area, the local government must:

• comply with State Planning Policy 2013 and any relevant temporary state planning policy
• keep a register of the flood hazard areas designated and when each was made.

More information

• Read the Australian Building Codes Board's National Flood Standard.
• Learn about Installation of sewerage reflux valves on flood affected properties (PDF, 110KB).
• Read the Guideline for the construction of buildings in flood hazard areas (PDF, 55KB).
• Download the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry final report.