NEWPORT BEACH : Officials to Hear Plan for Leaf Blower Noise

Noise limits for leaf blowers and air conditioning units are expected to win preliminary approval from the City Council today, after six months of study by the city’s Economic Development and Environmental Quality Affairs committees.

The proposed leaf blower regulations would allow virtually unlimited use of low-noise, primarily electric models and restrict hours of use for the louder equipment.

The City Council favored most of the ordinance in November but questioned the effects that limiting leaf blower and air conditioner noise would have on city businesses.

After five public hearings in October and November, the Planning Commission rejected a proposal to outlaw gas-powered leaf blowers, but restricted their use to the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complaints about either one would be handled by police.

Under a new proposal, which would go to a public hearing June 12, leaf blowers could be used between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays and holidays, only quieter leaf blowers could be used.

“Leaf blowers could still be operated outside the specified hours, but cannot be operated at noise levels that disturb the peace,” the recommendation reads.

The purpose of the restrictions, planners said, is to encourage the leaf blower industry to produce models that do not “disturb the peace” and allow blower users to phase in use of electric or other low-noise models.

The two committees, which studied the proposals for six months, offered no changes to air conditioner limits, which would require phasing in quieter models by the turn of the century.

If the City Council approves the ordinance, it will bring together noise regulations that previously were scattered through ordinances governing other matters, such as public nuisances and construction permits.