Newark, NJ Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Chapter 41:16-12, 'Bird Friendly Design,' opens by stating that 'according to the American Bird Conservancy and the Audobon Society, hundreds of millions of birds die each year in the United States due to collisions with glass,' and ties that harm to the rise of exterior glazing on buildings of every size. Section 41:16-12-2 makes the standards apply 'to all new construction and substantial rehabilitation where the building envelope is being modified in all zones and redevelopment plans throughout the city,' though it labels them 'design standards, with which all applications shall comply to the extent practicable' rather than an absolute mandate.

' Section 41:16-12-4 also reaches two riskier conditions regardless of height: 'bird hazard installations,' defined in § 41:16-12-3 as monolithic glazing like glass awnings, handrails and acoustic barriers, and 'fly-through conditions,' glass panels 17 feet or less apart that create the illusion of an open path, both must use bird-friendly materials. 'Bird friendly material' itself carries a numeric threat-factor ceiling of 30 on the American Bird Conservancy's Threat Factor Reference Standard.