TUSTIN : Council Curbs Hours for Leaf Blower Use

In response to complaints from residents, the City Council this week restricted the use of leaf blowers and other loud maintenance equipment during evening and nighttime hours.

The ordinance was prompted by the recent complaints of some residents who live at the edge of commercial districts. They said they have been disturbed by work crews using loud equipment later and later at night.

Mayor Jim Potts said the council worked to forge a compromise between residents and business owners, and the new law is “probably the best thing we could come up with.”

City officials said the new restrictions will apply to the grounds-maintenance and gardening operations that contract with local business owners and homeowners.

The contractors will be banned from using loud equipment, including leaf blowers, lawn vacuums and parking lot sweepers, throughout the city on Sundays and federal holidays.

The equipment cannot be used in residential areas from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, and from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturdays.

In commercial areas, the equipment is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, and from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturdays.

Individual property owners still will be allowed to use the equipment from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on any given day.