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Palo Alto commission forwards amended bird‑friendly design draft to council after extended debate
Summary
After lengthy public comment and debate over scope and cost, the commission voted 5–2 to send a revised bird‑friendly design draft to City Council, removing a 300‑ft creek buffer and exempting most single‑family residential portions under 35 ft in the urban area, while asking Council to weigh ordinance vs. guidance and local data needs.
The Palo Alto Planning & Transportation Commission voted 5–2 to forward a revised draft bird‑friendly design ordinance to City Council, with several substantive edits the commission requested during an extended hearing that included technical staff presentation and group testimony from environmental and neighborhood organizations.
Staff planner Kelly Cha presented the draft, which aims to reduce bird collisions by requiring treated glazing, permanent external features or other mitigations for new construction, major remodels and some window replacements in defined bird‑sensitive areas. Staff noted cost and local supply constraints for treated glazing, and suggested exemptions and alternatives for single‑family homes, replacement windows and small panes.
Environm…
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