Environmental Commission applauds progress on bird-safe buildings - Austin Monitor

"With more than $5.5 billion generated annually in Texas from birdwatching and bird tourism, Austin leaders and community stakeholders want to ensure the safety of the roughly 400 species that reside in or migrate through Travis County each spring and fall. As such, Watershed Protection staff have developed a set of recommended code amendments and policy updates that they're rolling out to boards and commissions before sending the proposed changes to City Council, as directed in a resolution Council passed in late 2024."

"Bird-friendly designs can include limiting the use of glass, adding solar shading or screens, applying ultraviolet coatings, using glazed or etched patterns or incorporating bird-friendly markers directly on the glass. The Austin Environmental Commission got its first look at staff's proposal last week and unanimously endorsed the work. The commission initiated the bird-friendly design effort last year with the formation of a working group that included commissioners, conservationists, developers and architects."

"Under staff recommendations, new commercial and multifamily buildings larger than 10,000 square feet would be required to meet bird-safe design standards for the first 100 feet of façade, measured by a "material threat factor" rating of 20 or less. The American Bird Conservancy recommends a rating of 30 or less, but Watershed Protection staff are proposing the stricter 20 rating due to the rising threat that windows pose to hummingbird populations and their vital role as pollinators."

More than $5.5 billion is generated annually in Texas from birdwatching and bird tourism, and Austin leaders and stakeholders aim to protect roughly 400 species that reside in or migrate through Travis County each spring and fall. Watershed Protection staff developed recommended code amendments and policy updates to present to boards and commissions before sending proposed changes to City Council under a late-2024 resolution. Bird-friendly design measures include limiting glass, adding solar shading or screens, ultraviolet coatings, glazed or etched patterns, and bird-friendly markers on glass. The Austin Environmental Commission endorsed the proposal after a working group’s formation. Staff recommends bird-safe standards for large new buildings and dark-sky lighting compliance.

Read at Austin Monitor