City of San Francisco, CA, USA

Standards for Bird-Safe Buildings (Mandatory)

Proposed by the San Francisco Planning Commission and completed in 2011, the standard identified the unique risks that birds face and outlined proven remedies, such as window treatments, lighting design, and lighting operation, to combat bird collisions.

The following materials are recommended for use:

  • Bird-Safe Glazing Treatment: Façade requirements dictate that a building must have no more than 10% untreated glass.

  • Collision zones also includes “building facades beginning at grade and extending upwards for 60 feet or glass facades directly adjacent to landscaped roofs 2 acres or larger and extending upwards 60 feet from the level of the subject roof.”

  • Buildings that are larger than 45 feet and have more than 50% of exposed glass facades must abide by Section 139 (c) (1) glazing requirements and ensure that 95% of all large glass segments (24 feet or greater) are treated with the appropriate materials.

Find the Bird-safe ordinance for San Francisco here.
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