Leaf Blowers
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The City Council adopted Ordinance 688 at a regular City Council meeting on October 10th, 2023, prohibiting the use of gasoline powered leaf blowers in the City of Lafayette beginning July 1, 2024. Read the full text of the ordinance here. Want to learn more about how this may affect you, how to comply with the new law, and what resources exist for purchasing battery-powered equipment? Read below!
Sign up to place a lawn sign on your property here!
You can also download and print a brochure or flyer (bilingual) to share with your neighbors, gardener, or community groups!
Gas leaf blowers pollute the air, are harmful to operators and bystanders, and create high levels of noise. In 2021, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 1346, which bans the sale of gas powered gas leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) within California effective January 1, 2024. The Lafayette Environmental Task Force has examined ways we can transition from gas to electric leaf blowers as a community, leading to the development of Ordinance No. 688.
Electric leaf blower lending program
Have you considered trying an electric leaf blower? Borrow one for free from the City of Lafayette! The city is offering two types of battery-operated leaf blowers for residents to borrow: a handheld blower and a commercial-grade backpack blower. Visit www.lovelafayette.org/leaf-blower-lending for more information.
Curious to know more about using an electric leaf blower? Watch these videos on the City's YouTube Channel:
FAQs
When did the ordinance prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers go into effect?
The new law went into effect on July 1, 2024. After that date, gas-powered leaf blowers are not permitted for use by residents, landscape professionals, or City staff.
Why did Lafayette pass this ordinance?
In addition to noise pollution, gas-powered leaf blowers emit hydrocarbons, particulates, toxins, and carcinogens into the air - contributing to air pollution and negative health effects for the user. According the the California Air Resources Board, operating a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as a one-way trip from Los Angeles to Denver! Alternative technologies are available that do not use gas, including corded electric and cordless battery-powered leaf blowers.
What are the benefits of battery-powered or electric leaf blowers?
While the most eco-friendly way to move leaves and debris is manually with a rake or broom, an electric leaf blower can save time. Compared to gas-powered leaf blowers, you’ll experience the benefits of cleaner air, quieter running noise, lower maintenance, and possible cost savings. Electric and battery-powered leaf blowers are light, simple, and easy to use.
Are all leaf blowers prohibited?
No. Only gasoline powered leaf blowers are prohibited under the new ordinance. Electric or battery powered leaf blowers are allowed. In addition, the ordinance does not regulate other gas-powered landscape equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, or chain saws.
How did this ordinance get passed?
The City Council adopted Ordinance 688 at a regularly-scheduled City Council meeting on October 10th, 2023. City Council meetings are open to the public and public notice of the proposed ordinance was provided in advance of the meeting.
Are gas-powered leaf blowers illegal to use in California?
No, the State of California has not banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. However, it is important to note that on October 9, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1346 into law, banning the sale of off-road vehicles with highly polluting two-=stroke engines. The ban includes the sale of gas-powered tools used in landscape maintenance including gas-powered leaf blowers.
Have other cities passed similar laws?
At least fifteen cities in the Bay Area have passed laws prohibiting gas powered leaf blowers, including nearby Berkeley, Piedmont, and Alameda. Other cities throughout the state have also passed laws restricting or prohibiting gas powered leaf blowers, with more cities considering similar restrictions.
Are there penalties for violating the ordinance?
The ordinance took effect July 1, 2024. The City enforces this regulation on a complaint-driven basis. Potential violators are subject to standard administrative citations which start at up to $100 and increase to $500 for subsequent violations. To report a violation, you may fill out a Code Enforcement Request Form online - select "Gas Powered Leaf Blower" on the form.
I am a homeowner or commercial property owner - what do I do if my landscape contractor uses a gas-powered leaf blower?
Property owners will be held responsible for the violation even if a landscaping company uses a gas-powered leaf blower on the property. Ask your landscape professional if they own or have access to electric equipment. You may consider purchasing an electric or battery-powered leaf blower for your landscape professional to use when servicing your property. If your gardener or landscape contractor speaks Spanish, share this bilingual flyer with them.
Where can I find a landscaping company that uses electric leaf blowers?
The City does not maintain a list of landscaping companies that operate in Lafayette. You may be able to find this information from your neighbors or on social media sites like Facebook and NextDoor. You can also contact your local chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association or the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
How much do electric leaf blowers cost? Where can I find one?
Electric leaf blowers and lawn equipment are growing in popularity. Hardware stores carry corded leaf blowers for as low as $45. Cordless models suitable for residential use can range from $89-$400, depending on power and battery capacity. Additional batteries can cost between $200-500 . Learn about the different types of zero-emission leaf blowers and other lawn equipment on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) website.
In addition to information on the California Air Resources Board website, you may find information about different models and reviews on websites like Consumer Reports, Popular Mechanics, The Spruce, and NY Times.
Lafayette residents can also borrow a battery-powered leaf blower for free from the City! The Leaf Blower Lending Program offers two types of batter-operated leaf blowers: a handheld blower and a commercial-grade backpack blower. Visit www.lovelafayette.org/leaf-blower-lending for more information and to sign up.
Vouchers to help local professionals
California’s Air Resource Board (CARB), in partnership with CALSTART, launched the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) to accelerate the purchase of zero-emission off-road equipment in CA. The program offers point-of-sale vouchers small business landscape professionals to purchase discounted zero-emission lawn mowers, blowers, or other equipment. While the program's latest funding amount has been exhausted for lawn equipment, future funding allocations may restart the program.
CARB also maintains a list of other incentives available through county governments or regional Air Quality Districts throughout the state.
Where can I recycle my gas-powered leaf blower?
As long as there is no gas in the gas leaf blowers, you can retire your leaf blower at the following locations for free:
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Concord Recycling Center https://concordrecyclingcenter.com/recyclables.php
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Rapid Recycle https://rapidrecycle.net/
Additional Bay Area recycling centers may accept gas leaf blowers; contact your local center for more information.