By Kirstie Wulf of Shelter Building Design and the Hemp Building Directory
One of the most common questions I get during presentations on hemp building is about the approval process under the Building Code of Australia (BCA). This may not be the stuff of glossy photos, but it’s the essential information that gets hemp houses approved, and built.
Getting Approval for Hempcrete Homes
Step 1: Planning Approval
Each state and territory uses slightly different terminology, but the approval process generally has two parts. The first is planning permission, called a Development Application (DA) in NSW and a Planning Permit in Victoria. At this stage, Councils typically aren’t too concerned about what materials you’re using. They mainly want to know what the building looks like and how it fits with the surrounding area.
Step 2: Building Approval
The second part of the process ensures the building complies with the BCA. In NSW, this is called a Construction Certificate, and in Victoria, it’s a Building Permit. This is the stage where you need to show how your hemp building meets code requirements.
Sometimes, if you’re building on land zoned residential or rural, you may not need separate planning approval and can either go straight to a building permit or use a combined permit, known in NSW as a Complying Development Certificate.
No matter the process, at some point you’ll need to show that your hemp walls comply with the Building Code of Australia.
Two Compliance Pathways
The BCA provides two main pathways to compliance:
- Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS): This applies when standard materials are used in a standard way already shown to meet the Code.
- Performance Solution: This is for anything outside the DtS provisions—which includes most hemp building approaches.
Performance Solutions are not unique to hempcrete; they are commonly used for innovative or alternative materials. This flexibility allows us to use natural, low-impact products like hemp.
What Does a Performance Solution Involve?
There are a few options under the Performance Solution pathway:
- Codemark Certificate: Issued by an independent body that certifies a product as compliant with the BCA based on robust testing.
- Performance-Based Design Brief & Final Report: This approach lays out what you’re trying to prove, which Code sections it relates to, who was consulted, and then presents supporting data in a final report.
If you’re buying a hemp binder or blocks, ask your supplier what compliance documentation they offer. These documents are key to getting a fully approved, code-compliant hemp building.
The Bottom Line
It’s absolutely possible, and increasingly common, to get approval for hempcrete buildings across Australia. If you’re unsure, talk to someone with experience.
Need help finding a designer with hemp building know-how?
Check out the our section on Architects and Designers.
Hemp is a fantastic building material. Don’t let perceived hurdles stop you—approvals are achievable when you have the right information and support.
Disclaimer
HBD do not warrant the quality or experience of anyone listed on this directory.
We have relied on the information provided by the business and its representatives.
This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute building advice, or other professional advice.
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