Standards for Bird-Safe Buildings Announcement

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The San Francisco Planning Commission will hold an informational hearing on October 14, 2010 (click here for more information) to announce the public release of a draft document titled 'Standards for Bird-Safe Buildings.' This document is intended to promote bird-safe design and to reduce bird collisions into buildings.  The draft document proposes a three-pronged approach to this issue:

• Establishment of requirements for the most hazardous conditions;
• Use of an educational checklist to educate project sponsors and their future tenants on potential hazards; and
• Creation and expansion of voluntary programs to encourage more bird-safe practices including acknowledging those who pursue certification through a proposed new program for “bird-safe building” recognition.

The draft document discusses potential negative impacts on resident and migratory birds, suggested remedies to lessen the hazard through treatments for glazing, lighting, and other building design elements and building operations.

Preliminary Recommendation: The Department recommends that the Commission instruct the Department to:

• Collect public comment through the end of 2010; 
• Consider revisions to the document based upon comments received; and
• Prepare a draft Ordinance for the Commission’s consideration in 2011 that would implement proposed controls and adopt a final 'Bird-Safe Building Standards' document; and 
• Adopt the draft resolution to that effect.

If you have any questions, please call (415) 558-6395.  Comments can be sent to the Planning Commission c/o Linda Avery, San Francisco Planning Commission, 1650 Mission Street, Suite #400, SF, CA 94103.