Santa Monica : Leaf-Blowers to Be Banned

The City Council this week voted unanimously to draft an ordinance that will outlaw leaf-blowers. Council members called the gas-powered machines designed to sweep debris a blight on the city, saying people who use them tend to blow the trash onto someone else’s property or into city streets.

“Of all the complaints I have received since I’ve been on the council, leaf-blowers have been the most universal,” said first-year Councilman Kelly Olsen.

City staff members were instructed by the council to seek comments from gardeners when drafting the ordinance.