Salem Bird-Safe Building Guidelines for Developers

Environmental Protection Oregon 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Oregon

Salem, Oregon developers must consider bird-safe design as part of responsible urban development. This guide explains available municipal guidance, where to look in the Salem Revised Code for related building and lighting requirements, practical design measures to reduce window strikes, permit and review pathways, and how to report compliance issues. Use this as a starting point for site planning, permit applications, and coordinated review with city staff and environmental partners.

Design Principles for Bird-Safe Buildings

Incorporate collision-reducing measures in early design phases to avoid costly retrofits. Key strategies include façade treatments, fritted or patterned glazing, reduced night lighting during migration, and vegetation planning that avoids high-risk plantings directly adjacent to reflective glass.

  • Use externally applied frits, films, or patterned glass with maximum spacing of 2" x 4" visual markers where possible.
  • Adopt lighting plans that dim or switch off nonessential exterior and interior lights during peak migration periods.
  • Design landscaping to avoid placing feeder plantings immediately adjacent to large expanses of clear glass.
  • Include bird-safety details in construction documents and specifications for glazing, screens, and shades.
Early coordination with planning and building staff reduces review delays.

Integration with Salem Permits & Reviews

Bird-safe measures are most effective when included in: site plan review, building permit drawings, and conditional use or design review applications where required by the Salem planning process. Include glazing details, lighting controls, and planting plans in permit submittals to speed review and avoid conditions of approval.

  • Attach manufacturer specifications and shop drawings for any patterned or fritted glazing.
  • Note project timelines that overlap spring or fall migration seasons and plan temporary protections during construction.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Salem Revised Code does not contain a citywide, dedicated "bird-safe" ordinance; related requirements (for example, lighting, landscaping, or building permits) are enforced under applicable chapters of the municipal code and permit conditions on development approvals Salem Revised Code (Municode)[1]. Specific monetary fines or penalty schedules for bird-collision failures are not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; enforcement typically follows code violation procedures or permit condition remedies.
  • Escalation: first or repeat/continuing offence processes are not specified on the cited page; standard code enforcement may allow progressive notices and civil penalties.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandated corrective measures, permit holds, or conditions on future approvals may be applied under existing building and land-use authorities.
  • Enforcer and complaints: planning, building, or code enforcement divisions handle violations; see Help and Support / Resources below for official contact pages and online complaint forms.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes follow standard permit and code enforcement timelines; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page and will be stated in individual permit decisions or enforcement notices.
  • Defences/discretion: documented permitting, approved design variance, or emergency works can be considered; discretionary relief depends on the approving authority.
If fines or timelines are required, they will be listed in the specific permit decision or enforcement notice.

Applications & Forms

Most bird-safety requirements are handled as part of standard planning or building permit applications. There is no single, published "bird-safe" permit form; include bird-safety details in:

  • Building permit submittal (glazing details, manufacturer specs).
  • Site plan or design review packages (landscaping, lighting plans).
No standalone bird-safe permit form is published by the city as of the cited municipal code.

How-To

  1. Document bird-safety measures in design drawings and specifications.
  2. Include glazing patterns, screening, and lighting control details in your building permit application.
  3. Coordinate with City of Salem planning and building staff during pre-application meetings.
  4. Implement temporary protections during construction and verify installed materials match submittals.
  5. Report collisions or compliance concerns to city code enforcement and follow appeal procedures in permit decisions if needed.

FAQ

Do Salem building codes require bird-safe glass?
No; there is no dedicated municipal bird-safe glass requirement in the Salem Revised Code, but related standards may be applied through permit conditions or design review.
How do I request a variance or alternative design for bird-safety?
Request variances or alternatives through the applicable planning or building permit review process and document the rationale and performance of the proposed measures.
Where do I report bird collisions or suspected noncompliance?
Report to the City of Salem code enforcement or planning division; see Help and Support / Resources for official contact links.

Key Takeaways

  • Include bird-safety early in design to avoid costly changes.
  • Document glazing, lighting, and planting in permit submittals.
  • Coordinate with city staff at pre-application to align expectations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Salem Revised Code - Municode

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