Ordinance to Control Leaf Blowers Moves Ahead
Leaf blowers can be a nuisance, City Council members agreed this week as they gave preliminary approval to an ordinance that would set noise levels and operating hours for the machines.
If the proposal is approved on second reading April 15, it would become law 30 days later.
Councilwoman Eva Miner Bradford, who led the move to regulate leaf blowers, said many residents have complained about them. “People have concerns about their sinuses and allergies” from dust kicked up by the machines, she said.
Other council members said they have heard complaints about early morning and nighttime use of the machines.
The ordinance would limit leaf-blower operation to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. Machines also could not exceed a 70-decibel sound level.
City staff members told the council that existing laws already forbid blowing or sweeping of leaves and debris into gutters leading to storm drains.
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