What is happening?

On Monday, March 16, the Palo Alto City Council will vote on a Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance to reduce bird deaths caused by collisions with glass buildings.

The proposed ordinance would require bird-friendly treatment for large expanses of glass in new buildings and major remodels so that birds can see and avoid the glass.

The proposed ordinance DOES NOT APPLY to:

Residential buildings under 35 feet outside the Bird Sensitive Area. Bird Sensitive Areas are only in the Baylands (east of 101) and the foothills (west of Foothills Expressway), so most of the City residential areas are exempt, up to 35-ft.
Routine window replacement is not regulated anywhere in the city, unless it requires a building permit and creates a defined bird hazard.
Low income housing, Accessory Dwelling Units and Historical buildings are exempt.

Why is this important?

Scientific research shows that bird populations in North America are declining, and collisions with glass and other human-made structures are a major driver in this decline. It is estimated that every year in North America a billion birds are killed by collisions with windows.

In urban/suburban landscapes, most bird collisions occur at tree-canopy height - from ground level to roughly 60 feet. This is particularly important in Palo Alto, where birds are abundant not only in the Baylands and foothills, but also along creeks and throughout the city’s urban forest.

The proposed ordinance represents years of review and community input. However, staff has recommended changes that could significantly weaken the ordinance, including expanding the 35-foot exemption to all development types, which would exempt commercial buildings. The building areas where bird strikes are most likely to happen will be exempt.

What you can do

1. Send a short email to the Palo Alto City Council. Here is an example for an email:

To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org

Subject: Please Protect Birds in Palo Alto

Dear Mayor Veenker and Palo Alto Councilmembers,

[Introduce yourself and briefly say why you care about birds and the Palo Alto community. If you have witnessed a bird strike, feel free to share that experience.]

I am writing to ask you to adopt the Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance as drafted.

Please reject staff-recommended changes that could weaken the ordinance, such as expanding the 35-foot exemption to all development types. Most bird collisions occur at tree-canopy height, and expanding this exemption would remove protections where they are most needed.

There are many bird-safe window treatments and design options available, and these should be used rather than exempting commercial buildings.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
(Your name)

2. You may also attend or watch the meeting on March 16 and speak during public comment. You may participate remotely (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238)

This item (14) is expected to be discussed after 9pm. As soon as the discussion of item 14 starts, raise your hand. When your name is called, you will have two minutes to speak. You can use the sample letter above as a starting point for your public comment

If you attend in person, you can fill out a public comment slip located at a table near the entrance to the City Council chambers. Once you add your name and the agenda item (Item 14), you can deposit that slip in a basket near the City Clerk’s table. Your name will be called during public comment and you can speak at the podium for two minutes.

Thank you for helping protect birds in our community.