Leaf Blower Laws

Bans

• In some municipalities, the use of gas-powered or electric leaf blowers is completely banned. Since 1998, Los Angeles has banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within 500 feet of any dwelling. The city's leaf blower law subjects both the operator and any person who hired the operator to penalties. At the time of publication, the penalty could not exceed $100. Many other California cities ban both types of leaf blowers, including Santa Monica, Laguna Beach and Mill Valley. Few cities outside of California completely ban leaf blower use.

Restrictions

• The use of leaf blowers is restricted to certain hours or days of the week by some municipal ordinances. In general, these laws allow operation only during the day in residential areas, and not at night when people are more likely to be home. These restrictions, based on noise, are less likely to affect business, commercial or industrial zones. Other restrictions may limit the decibel level of the leaf blower no matter when it is operating.

Health

• People with respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, hay fever and similar ailments may suffer from the effects of the increase in airborne particles resulting from leaf blower use. Some localities enact laws regarding leaf blower use based on public health reasons. Los Angeles cites public health as a major factor behind its leaf blower law.

States with Leaf Blower Laws

• At the time of publication, some type of leaf blower law is in effect in cities and towns in California, New York, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut and Colorado. Laws range from seasonal restrictions to types of leaf blower. New York's Westchester County only permits the use of low-emission leaf blowers, while Portland, Oregon's law concentrates on noise pollution. Electric leaf blowers not only generate fewer emissions than the gas-powered models but tend to be quieter, so fewer communities overall regulate them in comparison to those consuming gasoline.