The purpose of this article is to reduce the risk of bird-to-building collisions.
(Sec. 3 (part), Ord. 20-015, eff. Aug. 6, 2020)
The bird-safe building standards apply to the following types of projects when such projects require a building permit:
(a) 
New Construction. New buildings, additions, and renovations involving new glass or other rigid transparent material.
(b) 
Window Replacement. Any replacement window, glass door, or other rigid transparent material.
(c) 
Glass Structures. Any new or replacement structure that has transparent glass or rigid transparent walls, including but not limited to freestanding glass walls, wind barriers, skywalks, balconies, greenhouses, gazebos, pavilions, passageways, and rooftop appurtenances.
The bird-safe glazing requirement must be met on any window or contiguous glazed segment (area within mullions and/or frames) with an area of twelve (12) square feet or more.
(Sec. 3 (part), Ord. 20-015, eff. Aug. 6, 2020)
At least ninety percent (90%) of the glazing on any building facade or glass structure, and all glass within twenty feet (20') of plants or water features, shall include features that enable birds to perceive the glass as a solid object. The requirement can be satisfied by using one or more of the following treatments:
(a) 
External screens installed permanently over glass such that the glass does not appear reflective.
(b) 
Translucent or opaque glass, or transparent or opaque film applied to glass.
(c) 
Glass covered with patterns such as dots, stripes, images, art, or abstract patterns. Such patterns may be etched, fritted, stenciled, silk-screened, or applied to the glass as films or decals, or another method of permanently incorporating the patterns into or onto the glass. Elements of the patterns must be either at least one-eighth inch (1/8") tall and separated by no more than two inches (2") vertically, or at least one-quarter inch (1/4") wide and separated by no more than four inches (4") horizontally, or both (the two (2) by four (4) rule).
(d) 
Weatherproof grates, netting or cords mounted outside of the glass, near but not touching the glass, meeting the two (2) by four (4) rule.
(e) 
Grooved glass block.
(f) 
Other glazing treatments providing an equivalent level of bird safety and approved by the Planning Director.
(Sec. 3 (Exh. A), Ord. 23-005, eff. Jan. 18, 2024; Sec. 3 (part), Ord. 20-015, eff. Aug. 6, 2020)
As an alternative to meeting Section 9-4.803, Bird-Safe Glazing Requirement, an applicant may propose building and fenestration designs that will minimize bird collisions and achieve an equivalent level of bird safety. The applicant shall submit a bird collision reduction plan along with the project application. The bird collision reduction plan shall be prepared by a qualified biologist. Design solutions may include but need not be limited to the following techniques, singularly or in combination:
(a) 
Layering and recessing of glazed surfaces.
(b) 
Angled or faceted glazing that minimizes reflectivity and transparency.
(c) 
Louvres or grates not meeting the two (2) by four (4) rule.
(d) 
Overhangs or awnings.
(e) 
Clear (nongrooved) glass block.
(f) 
Grilles that allow birds to perceive the grilles, together with the glass behind them, as solid.
(g) 
Glass embedded with photovoltaic cells.
(h) 
Placement of landscaping in such a way as to minimize bird collisions, including but not limited to placing outdoor plants directly against windows.
(Sec. 3 (part), Ord. 20-015, eff. Aug. 6, 2020)
(a) 
Nonresidential spaces shall have automatic light shutoff systems using timers, photo sensors, motion sensors, or a combination of sensors.
(b) 
Shades, blinds, curtains, or other window coverings for all windows shall be included as part of the construction project for which the building permit is issued.
(Sec. 3 (part), Ord. 20-015, eff. Aug. 6, 2020)
(a) 
No mirrors shall be placed in or near planted areas or water features, or in locations where they would reflect trees, plants, or water.
(b) 
Vent grates shall meet the two (2) by four (4) rule as described in Section 9-4.803(c).
(Sec. 3 (part), Ord. 20-015, eff. Aug. 6, 2020)