Des Moines Bird-Safe Building Ordinance Guide
Des Moines, Iowa faces growing concern about bird collisions and habitat displacement as development increases. This guide explains how developers can design bird-safe buildings, which city departments oversee related rules, and where to find the controlling municipal code and planning guidance. It summarizes permit interactions, enforcement pathways, and actionable steps to reduce collision risk while complying with Des Moines regulatory review processes.[1] For policy details or code citations, consult the city code and planning department resources noted below.[2]
Overview of Bird-Safe Design in Des Moines
Bird-safe design combines glazing treatments, façade planning, lighting controls, and landscaping. While Des Moines does not currently publish a stand-alone "bird-safe ordinance" in a single section of the municipal code, developers can apply existing zoning, building, and environmental review rules to reduce collision risk. Guidance sources include the municipal code and Planning & Urban Design review materials.
Design Principles for Developers
- Use fritted, etched, or patterned glazing on large expanses of glass to increase visibility to birds.
- Place reflective surfaces away from dense vegetation or water features that attract birds.
- Adopt lighting controls to dim or turn off nonessential exterior and interior lighting during migration seasons.
- Document bird-safe measures in planning submissions and design narratives for project review.
Penalties & Enforcement
Des Moines enforces building, zoning, and environmental regulations through city departments. Specific monetary fines, escalation steps, or statutory penalties tied solely to "bird-safe" features are not consolidated in a named bird-safety section of the municipal code; where precise fine amounts or escalation schedules are not stated on the cited pages, this text indicates that explicitly and points to the enforcing departments for procedural enforcement.
- Enforcer: Planning & Urban Design and Building Inspections are the primary offices for plan review and permit compliance; Code Enforcement may handle violations and remedies.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct, stop-work orders, permit revocation or withholding, and referral to municipal court are typical enforcement tools under building and zoning authorities.
- Inspection and complaint pathway: file complaints or request inspections through the Planning or Building Inspections offices; official contact pages are in Resources below.
- Appeals/review: appeals are handled according to the municipal code's permit and zoning appeal procedures; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited planning pages.
- Defences/permits: approvals, conditional permits, or variances may be available through normal planning and zoning processes; consult the Planning & Urban Design office.
Applications & Forms
Typical submittals for projects that include bird-safe design measures are:
- Building permit application (standard building permit form) for façade or glazing work; fee amounts are set in the building permit schedule and may vary by project.
- Site plan and design review materials for projects requiring Planning & Urban Design approval; specific checklist items for bird-safety are not published as a standalone form on the cited pages.
Action Steps for Developers
- Early coordination: include bird-safety measures in pre-application meetings with Planning & Urban Design.
- Document measures: submit glazing specifications and lighting control plans in permit packets.
- Implement during construction: ensure contractors follow glazing installation and exterior lighting plans.
- Report issues: if the city identifies deficiencies, respond to correction notices promptly through the contact channels in Resources.
FAQ
- Does Des Moines require bird-safe glass on all new buildings?
- No. The municipal code does not specify a blanket mandatory bird-safe glass requirement; project review may recommend or require measures under design review or as conditions of approval on a case-by-case basis.[1]
- Who enforces compliance with glazing and lighting conditions?
- Planning & Urban Design and Building Inspections implement plan review conditions; Code Enforcement may follow up on violations or failure to comply.[2]
- Are there penalties for failing to include bird-safe measures?
- Specific penalty amounts or schedules tied only to bird-safety are not specified on the cited municipal pages; enforcement typically follows building or zoning violation procedures.
How-To
- Plan: include bird-safety glazing and lighting strategy in the schematic design and planning submission.
- Submit: attach glazing/product specs and a lighting control narrative to your building permit and planning packets.
- Build: ensure contract documents require installers to use specified frit/pattern systems and shielding for lights.
- Verify: complete inspections and provide as-built documentation to close permits and satisfy any conditions of approval.
Key Takeaways
- Des Moines addresses bird-safety through existing planning and building review rather than a single, prescriptive bird ordinance.
- Document bird-safe measures in permit applications to reduce the risk of post-construction compliance actions.
Help and Support / Resources
- Des Moines Municipal Code (Municode)
- City of Des Moines Planning & Urban Design
- Building Inspections / Permits
- Code Enforcement