Lake County Continues Flight Toward Bird-Friendly Building Design with New Ordinance

The Lake County Board recently approved a new ordinance to mitigate fatal bird collisions with the installation of glass on nonresidential buildings in unincorporated Lake County. The ordinance, effective August 11, requires bird-friendly design for new construction or major renovations of non-residential developments, using at least 80 percent bird-friendly glass from ground level to 100 feet high. It also applies to non-residential accessory structures.

“The Lake County Board continues to march forward in our commitment towards innovative environmental policies and decisions as highlighted in our strategic plan,” says 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 1 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,” says Paul Frank, Lake County Finance and Administrative Committee Chair. “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 must obtain permits. Lake County Planning, Building and Development will work with builders to ensure compliance with the bird-friendly requirements. Projects can meet these standards through exterior screens, façade modifications, bird-friendly films, coatings or etched/fritted glass.

“Last month, we took a significant step by mandating bird-friendly glass for Lake County government buildings,” says Jessica Vealitzek, Chair of the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee. “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.”  

For more information about the county’s sustainability efforts, visit LakeCountyil.gov/sustainability.