FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Ordinance Passed on Use of Leaf Blowers

An ordinance regulating the use of leaf blowers was passed by the City Council this week in response to ongoing complaints regarding noise and dust created by the machines.

Use of the machines, which blow leaves and debris off lawns and sidewalks, is restricted to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Use of leaf blowers on Sunday is prohibited.

Only one blower per property may be used and only for 15 minutes per hour on areas of less than half an acre and 30 minutes per hour on areas larger than half an acre. Blown debris must be collected for disposal within 30 minutes.

“Gardeners just can’t blow (debris) from one place to another and leave it there,” said Councilman John Collins, who promised during his November campaign to deal with the leaf blower issue.

The ordinance also limits blowers to a sound maximum of 70 decibels. Noise from many leaf blowers, especially older models, can be 85 to 105 decibels at maximum power levels.

“If units are serviced regularly and in good repair, then the noise level shouldn’t be a problem. It might just be the older machines that will be put out of use,” said City Planner Don Contraman.

City staff members estimate that about 200 gardeners working in Fountain Valley operate electric or gasoline-powered blowers. Many residents also own leaf blowers.

The council considered a citywide ban on all leaf blowers or a ban on gasoline-powered blowers. However, those measures were considered extreme, especially given current drought conditions. Voluntary water conservation measures in recent months have discouraged residents from hosing down sidewalks and driveways.

First-time violators of the new ordinance will be fined $100. A second violation will result in a $200 fine, and fines of up to $500 can be imposed for each additional violation within a year.