June 12, 2024
Lake County Continues Flight Towards Bird-Friendly Building Design With New Ordinance
On the heels of passing a groundbreaking bird-friendly building design policy last month, the Lake County Board approved a new ordinance at its June meeting to mitigate fatal bird collisions with glass on non-residential buildings in unincorporated Lake County.
The ordinance, which will go into effect on August 11, 2024, requires bird-friendly design as part of new construction or major renovation of non-residential development in unincorporated areas of Lake County. These projects must use at least 80 percent bird-friendly glass on their exteriors from ground level to 100 feet high. This ordinance also applies to non-residential accessory structures such as free-standing glass walls, accessory storage buildings, glass-enclosed gazebos and pavilions and similar structures.
"The Lake County Board continues to march forward in our commitment towards innovative environmental policies and decisions as highlighted in our strategic plan," said Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair. "We are taking a proactive approach to safeguard the numerous bird species that enrich our natural landscape and our lives."
Nearly one billion birds annually collide with glass in the United States according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To birds, glass is an invisible, deceiving threat. Since they cannot see glass the way people do, they do not treat it as a barrier to avoid.
"Bird-friendly infrastructure is not just a win for the environment, but also for the community at large," said Paul Frank, Lake County Finance and Administrative Committee Chair and Board Member for District 11. "These measures will help reduce bird collisions, conserve biodiversity, and set a precedent for sustainable development that municipalities, other counties, businesses and residents can practice too.”
Those seeking to make major renovations or construct new buildings in unincorporated Lake County are required to receive permits. Lake County Planning, Building and Development will work with non-residential builders both at the project design and permit stages to ensure they meet the new bird-friendly requirements. Projects will be able to comply with the requirements through a variety of approaches, such as exterior screens, façade modifications and other external applications including bird-friendly films, coatings and even etched or fritted glass.
"Last month, we took a significant step by mandating bird-friendly glass for Lake County government buildings,” said Jessica Vealitzek, Chair of the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee and Board Member for District 10. “Now, with this new ordinance for non-residential buildings in unincorporated Lake County, we are broadening our impact. By implementing these changes, we will save countless birds each year, reinforcing their vital role in our ecosystem."
The Lake County Board continues to put a strong emphasis on protecting and enhancing the natural environment through its strategic plan. Learn more about the County's sustainability efforts at lakecountyil.gov/sustainability.
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