Perth Bird-Safe Building Rules - City Bylaws

Environmental Protection Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia builders and designers must consider bird-safe measures when planning glazed facades, lighting and landscaping to reduce collisions and habitat disturbance. This guide summarises the City of Perth planning context, likely compliance pathways, enforcement contacts and practical steps for design and approval. It highlights where official city planning guidance and state planning policy may apply and explains how to find forms, lodge complaints and appeal decisions.

Design expectations and planning context

There is no single named "bird-safe" city bylaw listed on the City of Perth planning pages, but building design and environmental protection expectations are included across planning and development guidance. Refer to the City of Perth planning and building information for application requirements and environmental considerations perth.wa.gov.au/planning-and-building[1]. State planning guidance on biodiversity and design may also inform conditions on development approvals and is administered by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage dplh.wa.gov.au/state-planning[2].

  • Design review panels and DA checklists may request bird-collision mitigation details.
  • Glazing treatments, facade screens and external lighting controls are typical mitigation measures.
  • Landscape design should avoid attracting large concentrations of birds near high-glass areas.
Early engagement with planning officers reduces approval delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

City of Perth enforcement for planning and environmental breaches is managed through its planning and compliance teams. Specific fines or penalty amounts for bird-safety related breaches are not stated verbatim on the referenced City planning pages; any monetary penalties or orders will depend on the controlling instrument cited on the relevant enforcement notice and applicable state legislation or local laws perth.wa.gov.au/planning-and-building[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance notices, stop-work notices, orders to modify or remove works, and prosecution may be used.
  • Enforcer: City of Perth Planning Compliance / By-law Enforcement (contact via the planning pages). perth.wa.gov.au/planning-and-building[1]
  • Appeals/review: review routes depend on the decision type (development approval reviews, State Administrative Tribunal for some planning matters); specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: approvals, permits or variances may be available; reasonable excuse or compliance steps may be considered by officers.
If you receive a compliance notice, act promptly to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes development application forms, checklists and guidance for building approvals on its planning pages. Where a specific bird-safety form is required, it will be listed in the DA checklist or condition; otherwise no standalone "bird-safe" application form is published on the cited planning page perth.wa.gov.au/planning-and-building[1].

  • Development Application forms and checklists: refer to the City DA guidance pages for current forms.
  • Deadlines: lodgement and appeal timeframes depend on the application type and are set out on the approval or notice; where not shown, see the City pages.
Documentation showing how glazing and lighting will reduce collisions is often requested with applications.

Practical compliance steps for builders

  • Include bird-collision mitigation in early design: fritted glass, external screening, reduced reflectivity and patterned glazing.
  • Document measures in the development application and landscape plan.
  • Provide an operations and maintenance note for lighting schedules to avoid night-time attraction.
  • Engage planning officers during pre-lodgement to confirm expectations.

FAQ

Do Perth bylaws specifically require bird-safe glass?
No single city bylaw explicitly named "bird-safe glass" is listed on the City of Perth planning pages; project conditions may require mitigation and details should be confirmed with planning officers. [1]
Who enforces bird-safety measures?
Enforcement is by the City of Perth planning compliance and by-law teams acting on approvals and local law breaches; contact details are on the City planning pages. [1]
What if I disagree with a compliance notice?
Review and appeal routes depend on the notice type; some planning decisions can be reviewed by the State Administrative Tribunal or internal review—check the decision notice and seek advice promptly.

How-To

  1. Early: Include bird-safety measures in your concept design and DA documentation.
  2. Consult: Book a pre-lodgement meeting with City planning officers to confirm requirements.
  3. Document: Add glazing treatment, lighting schedules and landscape details to the application.
  4. Respond: If issued a compliance notice, submit rectification / compliance evidence within the required timeframe on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Design early for bird-safety to avoid costly post-approval changes.
  • Use City of Perth pre-lodgement services to clarify expectations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Planning & Building
  2. [2] Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage - State Planning

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