PROPOSED BIRD-FRIENDLY GLAZING ORDINANCE Berkeley Design Advocates Meeting

Please join Berkeley Design Advocates in person for their meeting on Wednesday, May 3rd  at 12 Noon in the AIA East Bay Conference Room, Brower Center,  2150 Allston Way #310, Berkeley for a presentation by City of Berkeley staff on the Planning Commission’s proposed ordinance intended  to reduce bird mortality from windows and other transparent buildings.

The Planning Commission considered two different approaches at its March 1st meeting and chose to proceed with a proposal supported by the Audubon Society.  The proposed ordinance requires three glazing options, including options that required pattered glazing or screens.

In preparation for the City Council public hearing, city staff is soliciting any particular questions and concerns in the design and development community about these new requirements.   As the city strives to deliver housing quickly, it is important to consider whether  new policy that may add costs and/or time to residential development.  At the same time, if these requirements are easily met and would not constitute a meaningful additional cost, that would be good information to have, as well.

The proposed ordinance is attached for consideration.  BDA will provide the forum for discussion on these proposed design requirements on May 3rd, so please do attend to understand and comment on the proposed changes..

Note that we have a new time:  12 Noon, first Wednesday (mostly) of each month.  With our new time, we are asking that each member bring a colleague!  We’re looking for new members as we continue to emerge from the pandemic and we’ll also have new membership and membership renewal forms available.  As a reminder, dues are $50 annually.

BDA Website for the latest news:  berkeleydesignadvocates.org

Finally, thank you to the East Bay AIA for making their space available.

Note:  Teleconference (Zoom) will not be available for this meeting.