HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-30; Impacts of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Update (Districts -All); Gomez, PazTo the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date 1/31)/:# CA _!'.:_ CC L
CM L ACM ..J!'.._DCM(3) ✓
July 30, 2021
Council Memorandum
To:
From:
Via:
Re:
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council ·
Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Pub~Works
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
Impacts of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers pdate (Districts -All)
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021149
This memorandum provides an update to a previous Council Memorandum dated Sept. 16, 2019,
concerning the impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers (Attachment A).
Background
In the past, gas-powered leaf blowers have been an issue of concern due to noise and air
pollution. Some cities have banned or limited the use of gas-powered· leaf blowers to minimize
pollution and assist with meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions associated with jurisdictional
climate action plans (CAP).
On Sept. 16, 2019, at the request of the City Council, staff provided a memorandum with a . '
briefing paper on leaf blowers and actions other cities have taken to regulate or prohibit their
use. The data presented in the paper is still accurate and attached for reference (Attachment A).
Currently, the city does not have an ordinance that addresses the use and operation of leaf
blowers nor a general noise ordinance1 or any other municipal code provisions that address the
various impacts of leaf blowers.
Discussion
In San Diego County, the cities of San Diego, Del Mar and Solana Beach have either banned or
limited the use of leaf blowers in their cities (see Attachment A). Additionally, since the
Sept. 16, 2019, Council Memorandum was issued, the City of Encinitas also adopted a ban on
gas-powered leaf blowers and limited the hours of use of all leaf blowers within their city.
The briefing paper in Attachment A includes potential options for the city to consider that would
limit or ban the use of leaf blowers to reduce or eliminate noise and pollution issues related to
this equipment. Additionally, staff will begin conducting a comprehensive CAP update this fiscal
1 Chapter 8.48 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code restricts construction-related noise, or noise emanating
from residential in-fill development projects and home improvement projects, to certain days and times.
However, this chapter does not mention leaf blowers.
Public Works Branch
Environmental Management Department
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-602-2799 t
Council Memo -Impacts of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Update (Districts -All)
July 30, 2021
Page 2
year, which will include a benefit and cost analysis of banning or limiting the use of gas-powered
leaf blowers as a method to assist in meeting GHG reduction goals. These leaf blowers will be
considered under the category of off-road transportation.
Upon completion of the analysis, a CAP measure on gas-powered leaf blowers could be included
in the CAP update, based on the analysis results. The analysis would address only GHG impacts
and not include additional noise impacts.
The request for proposals for the comprehensive CAP update was recently released with a due
date of Aug. 24, 2021, and staff plan to issue a notice to proceed to the selected consultant in
October 2021.
Next Steps
As part of the comprehensive CAP update, the consultant will conduct a benefit and cost analysis
of banning or limiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers as a method to assist in meeting GHG
reduction goals. Based on the analysis results, a CAP measure on gas-powered leaf blowers to
reduce GHG could be included.
Attachment: A. Council Memorandum dated Sept. 16, 2019
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Michael Calderwood, Fire Chief
Mickey Williams, Acting Police Chief
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Robby Contreras, Assistant City Attorney
James Wood, Environmental Management Director
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
Jeff Murphy, Community Development Director
Don Neu, City Planner
To the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Datl f l lui~CA ...}[_CC v
CM Jj_COO JL....DCM (3) v
Sept. 16, 2019
ATTACHMENT A
Council Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
{cityof
Carlsbad
Memo ID# 2019103
From:
Via
Re:
Debbie Fountain, Community & Economic Development Director
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Ctomunity Services
Elaine Lu key, Chief Operations Officer
Leaf Blowers -Impacts and Options for onsideration
This memorandum provides a summary of staff's research on leaf blowers and actions other cities
have taken to regulate or prohibit their use. Staff has provided options for addressing the impacts
of leaf blowers as requested by City Council members. Attached is a Briefing Paper on the issue
for review and further consideration by the City Council.
Background
Earlier this year City Council requested that staff research the impacts of leaf blowers and
provide some options on how to regulate them or address their impacts on Carlsbad residents.
Residents have also expressed concerns about the potential negative health impacts of leaf
blowers from noise, air pollution and dust. The attached Briefing Paper provides a history of
leaf blowers and their impacts as well as information on the cities that have chosen to regulate
them and those that have prohibited the use of gas-powered blowers, ranging from complete
bans to restricted uses (i.e., within 500 feet of a residence or during certain hours and holidays).
Discussion
The attached Briefing Paper provides information on staff's findings related to the impacts of
leaf blowers from a perspective of noise, air pollution and dust, best management practices for
operation of leaf blowers, and how other agencies are addressing the concerns/issues related
to leaf blowers. Carlsbad does not have an ordinance that addresses the use and operations of
leaf blowers specifically, nor does the city have a general noise ordinance or any other
municipal code provisions that specifically address the various impacts from leaf blowers. The
city's general nuisance ordinance could, however, be utilized as an enforcement tool in the case
of significant and/or repeated impacts fr9m leaf blowers. Because communities across the
nation have the same issues and concerns with leaf blowers as Carlsbad, there is a great deal of
data and best management practices that Carlsbad can draw upon when formulating a
response to this challenge, if the City Council desires to do so.
Community Services Branch
Community & Economic Development -Planning Division
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-602-4600 I 760-602-8560 fax
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
Sept. 16, 2019
Page 2
Next Steps
The Briefing Paper on leaf blowers is provided for information purposes at this time. Staff will
proceed a·s directed by the City Council following its review and consideration of the attached
Briefing Paper.
Attachment: A. City of Carlsbad, Leaf Blower Research/Briefing Paper, September 2019
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Neil Gallucci, Police Chief
Marissa Kawecki, Deputy City Attorney
Mike Peterson, Assistant Community & Economic Development Director
Don Neu, City Planner
Kerry Jezisek, Senior Program Manager, Special Projects
Executive Summary
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Attachment A
Residents have recently inquired about a noise ordinance related to leaf blowers. There have
also been related complaints about other mechanical equipment servicing homes such as pool
pumps and air conditioning units, as well as noise from outdoor entertainment systems. In this
research/briefing paper, staff's focus is on leaf blowers, their history, their impacts and options
to address their impacts.
Issues raised by those who object to leaf blowers are most often related to potential negative
health impacts from noise, air pollution and dust. Several cities in Southern California have
adopted ordinances to address the operation of leaf blowers; see Attachment 1 for a list of
those cities. Communities such as Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Laguna Beach, Beverly Hills, Dana
Point and San Diego have instituted bans on the use of gas-powered blowers, ranging from
complete bans to restricted uses (i.e., within 500 feet of a residence or during certain hours and
holidays).
Carlsbad's Municipal Code is silent on leaf blowers, meaning there is not a specific ordinance
that has been adopted to regulate the use of leaf blowers. Carlsbad has noise provisions
relating to specific activities such as construction (CMC ch. 8.48), entertainment establishments
(CMC ch. 8.09), car repair work (CMC section 8.28.030) and animals (CMC sections 7.04.010 and
7.08.010). The Zoning Ordinance also limits noise in certain zones such as the P-M Planned
Industrial Zone (CMC section 21.34.090), C-M Heavy Commercial-Limited Industrial Zone (CMC
section 21.30.020) (among others). This is not a complete list of noise provisions. It is important
to understand that Carlsbad's Municipal Code does limit noise but not in the specific context of
leaf blowers.
Based on staff's research on leaf blowers, the following options could address the increase in
resident complaints:
1) Educate the community on outdoor noise and best management practices when
operating leaf blowers;
2) Develop a leaf blower exchange or replacement incentive program;
3) Lead by example by discontinuing the city's use of gas-powered and high decibel
leaf blowers; and/or
4) Adopt an ordinance specific to leaf blowers and regulations to mitigate negative
impacts.
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History of Leaf Blowers
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
The leaf blower was invented by Japanese engineers in the early 1970s and introduced to the
United States as a lawn and garden maintenance tool. Drought conditions in California
facilitated very quick acceptance of the leaf blower for garden clean-up tasks because the use
of water for those tasks was prohibited. It is important to note that soon after the leaf blower
was introduced into the United States, its use was banned as a noise nuisance in two California
cities, Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1975 and Beverly Hills in 1978. By 1990, the number of California
cities that had banned the use of leaf blowers was up to five total (Del Mar, Hermosa Beach,
Laguna Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica). The popularity of the leaf blower, however,
continued to grow. By 1990, annual sales of leaf blowers were over 800,000 nationwide, and
the tool had become a ubiquitous gardening implement. Between 1997 and 1998, industry
shipments of gasoline-powered handheld and backpack leaf blowers increased 30% to
1,868,160 units nationwide. (Air Resources Board, 2000)
There are currently 20 California cities that have banned leaf blowers, sometimes only within
residential neighborhoods and usually targeting gasoline-powered equipment; those cities
banning leaf blowers are identified in Attachment 1. Another 80 cities in the US have
ordinances on the books restricting either usage or noise level or both of leaf blowers (See
Attachment 2). Nationwide, two states, Arizona and New Jersey, have considered laws at the
state level, and thirteen other states (Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and
Washington) have at least one city with a leaf blower ordinance. (Air Resources Board, 2000)
In 2000, the California legislature requested that the California 'Air Resource Board (CARB)
prepare and submit a report summarizing the potential health and environmental impacts of
leaf blowers, including recommendations for alternatives to using leaf blowers. CARB's
conclusions were that human health can be impacted from noise, fuel and exhaust emissions,
as well as dust generated from the equipment.
Over the past 20 years, leaf blowers have continued to become increasingly affordable and
popular. As a result, additional studies have been requested from time to time to be com,Pleted
by CARB and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to better understand the
magnitude of the potential impacts and required regulations to address those impacts. In 2012,
CARB completed a survey that indicated about 13% of California residential households own
and use a leaf blower. A study in 2015 by the EPA found that there were almost 11 million
gasoline leaf blowers in the United States.
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Leaf blowers and Air Quality
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
According to a 2011 automotive-analyst study, running a consumer-grade, gas-powered, two-
stroke leaf blower for 30 minutes creates pollutants equivalent to driving a Ford F-150 pickup
truck for more than 3800 miles (Edmunds, 2011). The tests conducted in the study found that a
consumer grade, four-stroke, gas-powered leaf blower produced almost seven times more
oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 13.5 times more carbon monoxide (CO) than the high
performance Ford F-150 truck. A two-stroke leaf blower generated 23 times the amount of
carbon monoxide and nearly 300 times more non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) than the
truck. The emissions from a half-hour of yard work with the two-stroke leaf blower are about
the same as a 3,900-mile drive from Texas to Alaska in a Ford F-150. (Edmunds, 2011)
Leaf Blower impacts on Health
Leaf blowers -regardless of the type -move leaves and other debris by blowing air. Leaf
blowers, aside from just moving leaves and potentially other debris, increase the particulate
matter and create particle pollution. Studies conducted by the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District, Fair Warning (a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) investigative news organization
focusing on public health, consumer, workplace and environmental issues), U.S Surgeon
General Dr. Luther Terry, and pediatricians affiliated with the Mt. Sinai Children's
Environmental Health Center, among others, show that the extremely high-velocity (200 mph+)
winds out of a leaf blower disperse toxins, mold, fungi, particles of animal feces, and other
pollutants into a harmful dust. These studies express that the dust generated by leaf blowers
can cause respiratory symptoms and illness and have indicated that some toxic compounds in
the gasoline exhaust of leaf blowers are hazardous. (Jamie L Banks & Robert McConnell, 2015)
A study by the EPA published in 2015 entitled, National Emissions from Lawn and Garden
Equipment, indicates that gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment is a prevalent source
of toxic and carcinogenic emissions. As related to noise, the World Health Organization
recommends noise levels of 55 decibels or less; 45 decibels to meet sleep criteria. A leaf blower
generally measures at least 70-75 decibels at 50 feet away and far higher at close range. Center
of Disease Control studies indicate that noise from leaf blowers can damage hearing, and cause
other adverse health impacts, including interference with communication, rest and sleep
disturbance, changes in performance and behavior, annoyance, and other psychological and
physiological changes that may lead to poor health. According to CDC Director Dr. Anne
Schuchat hearing is easily damaged by many of our daily activities, from mowing the lawn,
using a leaf blower, or even sitting in noisy traffic on the way to work.
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CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Because of the concern related to gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, there have
been significant efforts made by manufacturers to develop new types of leaf blowers that are
quieter and produce less pollution. There has been progress in the development of electric leaf
blowers, both corded and battery-powered. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency figures
show that 25% of US hydrocarbon emissions are created by small machines, which includes leaf
blowers. The electric models have proven to be quieter, because there's no combustion noise;
and they are less polluting.
What can the city do now to address resident concerns?
Educate/Inform. One option to combat the impact of gas powered leaf blowers is for the city to
educate residents on leaf blower usage best practices. The City of Seattle leads the way in this
effort and has developed a thorough and easy to understand leaf blower best practices
pamphlet. The pamphlet (attached as Attachment 3) is made available via the city's website
and covers methods on the best way to protect the environment when using leaf blowers, how
to use a leaf blower courteously, noise reduction options and of course alternative methods to
dealing with fallen leaves and vegetative debris.
Lead by Example. The city can lead by example by discontinuing its use of gas-powered and
high decibel leaf blowers and hire only those contractors who use electric or battery-powered
leaf blowers and lawn vacuums, or who employ manual methods of leaf removal (raking and
sweeping). At th!;! present time our staff and grounds maintenance contractors (Park West,
Terracare Associates, West Coast Arborists) use gas-powered, two-stroke leaf blowers. Current
city policy requires that staff, including contractors, not use leaf blowers before 7am or after
7pm, except when a blower may be needed during an emergency response.
Additional staff analysis would be needed prior to any implementation, in order to assess
potential fiscal and environmental impacts. From a legal perspective, the city would be
somewhat limited in terms of contracting capability. While the city could create new contracts
that include this requirement, it could only ask existing contractors to voluntarily consent to
these new terms. Existing contractors would have the right to say no, as the city policy would
not predate the contract execution date. The new terms could also be negotiated into existing
contracts upon any renewal.
Alternative Program Research. City Council can request staff to complete additional
studies/analyses and develop options for the reduction and/or elimination of gas-powered,
high decibel leaf blowers and/or elimination of gas-powered leaf blowers including exchange
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LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
· programs, grant or incentive options to replace gas-powered equipment, educational programs,
health protections for workers and potential phased-in regulations to eliminate or further
mitigate negative impacts.
What can the city do in the future to address resident concerns?
Phase Out and Exchange Program. A reduction ·of greenhouse gas emissions is possible by
decreasing the number of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city. As gas powered blowers are
either replaced with electric blowers or banned entirely this action would contribute positively
to the city's implementation of the Climate Action Plan helping to meet future emission
reduction targets. If a ban on leaf blowers is desired, a phased approach could be pursued to
eliminate the use and operation of gas-powered leaf blowers overtime. The city could pursue
an exchange program for gardener/landscaper-owned gas-powered leaf blowers to be traded
for electric-powered leaf blowers. Or, the city can provide cash for gas-powered leaf blowers,
which pr6vides a discount to purchase a new electric-or battery-powered leaf blower. The City
of Palm Springs developed such an exchange program of gas-powered leaf blowers for battery-
powered leaf blowers, with an exchange priority on less efficient/higher polluting two-stroke
gasoline-powered leaf blower engines.
Another model leaf blower exchange program was initiated by the South Coast Air Quality
Management District (AQMD -which covers the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and
Riverside counties) in 2006. Since that time, 12,000 old leaf blowers have been replaced,
reducing 138,729 pounds of hydrocarbon and NOx emissions per year. The AQMD exchange
program has also reduced smog-forming pollutants by 88,282 pounds per year in Southern
California. (Pasadena NOW, 2016) According to the AQMD, in one year, each one of the old
blowers expels as much emissions as 80 new cars, each driven 12,500 miles. Exchanging older
blowers will reduce nearly 14 tons of smog-forming pollution a year. (Signal Tribune Business,
news, 2007) Information about the AQMD's exchange program can be found below as
Attachment 4.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District instigated a trade in program for gas-
powered lawn equipment in 1999. The program, entitled "Mowing Down Pollution", has
successfully lowered air pollution emissions by almost fifty tons per year since its inception. The
program held annual exchange events through 2018. At these events, San Diego County
residents replaced almost 10,000 units of gas-powered lawn equipment with zero-emission
electric-powered units. New mowers and other garden equipment was made available to San
Diego County residents on a first-come, first-served basis. The new equipment was priced with
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CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
deep discounts from the everyday retail price. The discounting was paid for through air
pollution fines. (James Kecskes, 2017)
A phase in/phase out approach such as the above-described examples would offer a less
burdensome alternative to many interested parties, in comparison to a complete prohibition on
gas-powered leaf blowers (see additional analysis in "Municipal Code Revisions11 section below).
On the other hand, substantial staff and financial resources would be needed to implement this
type of program.
Municipal Code Revisions. The city can adopt an ordinance to regulate leaf blowers. Hundreds
of cities have already adopted regulations to control these devices either through regulations
restricting their use or banning them (see partial list in Attachment 2). Some cities require all
employees of gardening/landscaping businesses to be trained on the proper use of leaf
blowers.
As an example, the Town of Los Gatos performed significant research on leaf blowers which led
to its adoption of an ordinance prohibiting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in all
areas, and restrictions on electric-powered leaf blowers (limited to 65 decibels or lower). All of
the reference information associated with the Town of Los Gatos' process to adopt its
regulations is available on line at: http://www.losgatosca.gov/2059/Leaf-Blower-Ordinance.
A copy of the Town of Los Gatos' leaf blower ordinance is included as Attachment 5.
The City of Saratoga implemented noise standards for the city's residential areas. Attachment 6
is a flyer developed for residents highlighting Saratoga's most commonly requested information
about the city's noise regulations.
It is important to note that while a complete ban on gas-powered leaf blowers may be most
beneficial to the environment and assist with desired noise reduction, this approach may be too
great of a burden on the business community and commercial property owners if implemented
immediately. These stakeholders have more co'nsiderable landscape maintenance needs that
require a greater investment of time and resources to adapt to regulations that would
necessitate the replacement of gas-powered leaf blowers currently used by their companies.
Individual residential users would not be impacted to such a high degree, but such a ban may
still be challenging to enforce in a residential context.
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CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
What can we do to regulate noise levels in general? Currently, the Carlsbad Municipal Code
has various ordinances that address specific noise issues, such as noise from construction, auto
repair, animals, entertainment establishments, short-term vacation rentals, or home
occupations. However, there is no ordinance that generally addresses public nuisance noise,
defined as any disturbing, excessive or offensive noise that causes discomfort or annoyance to a
reasonable person of normal sensitivities residing in the area. The police department can issue
criminal charges pursuant to State Penal Code section 415, but these charges require the
complainant to sign a citizen's arrest. Such charges are also handled by the District Attorney's
Office, rather than the City Attorney's Office.
With current regulations in California, all new gas and electric blowers are required to be
certified and to display a sound decibel label. The American National Standards Institute
("ANSI") provides manufacturer certification measured at 50 feet (standard B175.2-1996).
Below are several California jurisdictions that have incorporated decibel levels for leaf blowers
as part of a larger noise ordinance:
Dana Point, California
In Dana Point's residential areas, neither gas nor electric leaf blowers are allowed from 9:00 am
to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday (banned on legal holidays). The same use restriction is in
place for commercial, industrial and recreational areas within 200 feet of a residential area. A
"not to exceed" noise level of 65 to 70 decibels (depending on the date of purchase) is in place
for leaf blowers.
Culver City, California
Culver City adopted an ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of leaf blowers with noise levels
exceeding 65 decibels. The ordinance will become effective in 2022 and allows a five-year
phase in period to allow existing leaf blowers to deplete their useful life. Allowable hours of
leaf blower operation are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 phl
on Saturdays and Sundays.
Burlingame, California
Burlingame's ordinance mandates that all blowers be certified at 65 decibels, either by testing
or by manufacturer rating. The city uses a preapproved list by manufacturer from Consumer
Reports, where the blowers were tested at 65 decibels. Leaf blowers are allowed only in
designated residential areas. Commercial blowers are allowed only one day per week between
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CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Residents may use blowers on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00
pm and on Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, in addition to one assigned weekday.
Conclusion
This report provides information on staff's findings related to the impacts of leaf blowers from a
perspective of noise, air pollution and dust; best management practices for operation of leaf
blowers; and how other agencies are addressing the concerns/issues related to leaf blowers.
Carlsbad does not have an ordinance that addresses the use and operations of leaf blowers
specifically, nor does the city have a general noise ordinance or any other municipal code
provisions that address the various impacts of leaf blowers. Because communities across the
nation have the same issues and concerns with leaf blowers as Carlsbad, there is a great deal of
data and best management practices that Carlsbad can draw upon when formulating a
response to this challenge, if the City Council desires to do so.
At a minimum, if directed by the City Council, staff can pursue a first step of outreach and
education by developing an educational guide for both residents and gardener/landscaping
businesses which outlines best practices for the use and operation of leaf blowers. This guide
could address noise reduction options, courteous usage and alternative methods for leaf and
vegetative waste disposal.
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Works Cited
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Air Resources Board, M . S. (2000). A Report to the California Legislature on the Potmnetial Health and
Environmental Impacts of Leaf Blowers. State of California: California Air Resources Board.
Edmunds. (2011, December,6th). Leaf Blower's Emissions Dirtiter than High-Performance Pick-Up
Truck's, Says Edmunds' lnsideline.com. Retrieved from Edmunds.com:
https ://www .ed mu nds.com/a bout/press/leaf-blowers-em issio ns-d irtie r-than-high-
performa nce-pick-u p-trucks-says-edm unds-insidelinecom. htm I
James Kecskes, C. o . (2017, May, 9th). Mowing Down Pollution. Retrieved from County News Center:
https:/ /www.countynewscenter.com/mowi ng-down-a i r-po llutio n/
Jamie L Banks, P. M., & Robert McConnell, E. E. (2015). National Emissions from Lawn and Garden
Equipment. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency.
Pasadena NOW. (2016, February, 18th). South Coast Air Quality Management District -Leaf Blower
Exchange Program. Retrieved from pasadenanow.com:
http://www. pasadena now .com/main/south-coast-air-quality-ma nagment-d istrict-leaf-blower-
excha nge-progra m/#.XMeBtaqWxD8
Signal Tribune Business, news. (2007, August, 2nd). Signaltribunenewspaper.com. Retrieved from Signal
Tribune: https: //sign a Itri bu ne n ewspa per. co m/59 2/ news/ a q m d-spo nso ring-le a f-b I owe r-
excha nge-offe rs-mo neta ry-e nvi ro nm e nta 1-i n ce ntive s/
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Attachment 1
Southern California Cities who have adopted leaf blower ordinances
City Complete Gas Noise and/ or Complete Gas &
Blower Ban Time of Day Electric Blower
Restrictions Ban
Beverly Hills
X
Burbank X
Calexico X
Cerritos X
Claremont X
Corona Del Mar X
Costa Mesa X
Culver City X
Cypress X
Dana Point X
Del Mar X
Downey X
El Segundo X
Fountain Valley X
Gardena X
Glendale X
Hawaiian Gardens X
Hermosa Beach X
Huntington Beach X
Indian Wells X
Indio X
Irvine X
LaCanada X
Laguna Beach X
Lawndale X
Lomita X
Long Beach X
Los Altos X
Los Angeles X
10JPage
City
Malibu
Manhattan Beach
Monrovia
Monterey Park
Newport Beach
Ojai
Orange
Palm Desert
Palos Verdes
Estates
Pasadena
Redondo Beach
Rolling Hills Estates
San Diego
San Dimas
San Fernando
San Marino
S.anta Clara
Santa Fe Springs
Santa Monica
Sierra Madre
Solana Beach
West Hollywood
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Complete Gas · Noise and/ or
Blower Ban Time of Day
Restrictions
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Complete Gas &
Electric Blower
Ban
X
X
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CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Attachment 2
States, Cities and Counties with leaf blower requirements
12 I Page
Citv
I Birm,nghsm
2Sydney
3 F'srsc,se Vslley
4 F'ims Count/
5 New 'Nestminster
6Vsncouver
iAlameds
88skersfield
98ur1ingame:
10Csls 6ssss
1 1 Clsremon:
12 Corona Del Msr
13Coronado
14 Corte !\ I seers
15 Cut·,e-r City
16Emerf'Jil?e
17 Encinitas
18F9irlsx
19 Hermosa Besch
20Highland ?!Irk
21 Lsguns Beach
22L9r'-<spur
23Long Beach
24Los Altos
25 Los Altos Hilts
26 Los Angeles
27Los Gatos
28Men!o Park
2QMerced
30Newport 8-esch
31 Ojai
32Orinds
33 Pacific Grove
34 Palm Springs
35Pslo Alto
38Pasadens
37Portola Valley
38 Redondo Se sch
3g Sscrsrr.en:o
40San Diego
41 Ssn Jose
42 Ssn Louis Ob!spo
43Ssn Marino
44 San Mste:o
45Ssnts 8srbe:s
48Ssnts Cr-..i::
47Ssnts Monies
48Ssrs:oga
4g Sebss!opo!
50Serra \1sdre
51 Solana e-esch
52Sonoms
53Sl. Helens
54 Studio City
55 Sunnyvale
58Tiburon
57Torrsnce
58UCLA
59Ukaih
60Wslnu: Creal(
61'Nnittier
52Aspen
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Attachment 2
State Citv State
AL 638ssatt co
AUS 64Boulder co
AZ. 65Danbury CT
AZ. 6e Greenwich CT
SC 6iNew hsven CT
BC 58Stamford CT
CA 69'N,tton CT
CA 70 Coral Gsb'.es FL
CA i 1 H,I,sboro FL
CA 72.Jsc:Csonv,lle FL
CA 73 Key Biscayne FL
CA 74 Key West FL
CA 75Nsples i'"L
CA 78P!!lm Besch FL ,...A '-'"' 77 Sot..1.M Miami i'"L
CA 78 St F'e:ersburg FL
CA 7f1Vero Besch FL
CA o0West Palm 8-each FL
CA 81 Honoh.lu HI
CA S2Sun Valley ID
CA S3 Centralia !L
CA S4Evanston IL
CA S5Genos IL
CA Sil Oak Par,c IL
CA Si'N1Imette IL
CA 38 New O:lesns LA
CA SQ Arlington MA
CA ,,;.o Brookline MA
CA g 1 Csmbrid~e MA
CA £.i2Cohas.se: MA
CA i;,3Concord MA
CA ~4 Framingham MA
CA 95L>ncoln MA
CA 00 Marblehead MA
CA Qi Newton MA
CA Q8S9!em MA
CA i;,9 Swampscott MA
CA 100Weltesly MA
CA 101 Chevy Chase MD
CA 102 Mon:gomery 1/D
CA 103Tal<oms Psr're MD
CA 104Fen:on Ml
CA 105 Minr.,;,apolis MN
CA 100 Ksn.s9s City MO
CA 107Chspel H II NC
CA 108Rs!e,gh NC
CA 10f1S9lem NH
CA 110 Dennis NJ
CA 1 1 t k·1splewood NJ
CA I 12 Mon:cts.ir NJ
CA 113 Morristov.m NJ
CA 114OId Tsppsn NJ
CA 115 Peacock/G!sds!one NJ
CA t 16Prince:on NJ
CA 117 A1buq..ie,que NM
CA 118 Lss Vegas NV
CA 11Q8edford NY
CA 1209everly NY
CA 121 Bronxville NY
CA 122Cornwali NY
CA 123 Crotcn on Hudson NY
co 124 Esst Hamo:on MY
Citv State
125 Esstchester NY
t26Garcen City NY
127 Greenburgh NY
12,S Greenport NY
129 Hsstings on Hudson NY
130 Huntington NY
13 1 Irvington NY
132 Larchmont NY
133 Msmsrorec« NY
134 New Castle NY
13·5 New Hem,oste:ad NY
136 New Rochelle NY
137Nysck NY
138Orsngetovm NY
139Oss ning NY
140O:,,s:er Bay NY
14 1 Pies ;;an tv. lie NY
142 Pound Ridge NY
143RosJyn NY
144Rye NY
145 Ssugert,es NY
146 Sleepy Hollow NY
147 Southampton NY
14-S Syrscu se NY
149T9rr,-town NY
150Tensfly NY
151 "inomsston NY
152,uckshoe NY
153 \Nestches:er Cnty NY
154 \h'li>1e Pts,ns NY
155Yonkers NY
15-3\i\'est Carrollton OH
15i Oakville Ont
158Toronto Ont
I 5g Corvsltis OR
180E..:gene OR
181 Portland OR
162 Lower Merion PA
163 Beaconsfield Que
164 V.'estmount Que
185 'orth Providence RI
I 6? Beauford SC
167 Bluffton SC
18SHouston TX
169Cherokee County VA
17•J Roanoke VA
171 Ses:tle 'NA
172\Nes'ey Heights woe
t 7 3 \Nssning:on woe
174 Milwaukee WI
175 Chsrleston -..w
176lsrset
177 Sta:e of Ari::ons
17SSiate of Ca•irornis
1 i'd State of Hawsu
18-J Stale of 1.1.sss.
18 1 Stsi-, of New Jersey
18::! S:ste of New Yc,rk
183State ofVerrr.ont
184 Stste of Wsshington
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Attachment 3
City of Seattle Leaf Blower Best Practices Guide
14 I Page
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ENV IR0NMENlAl QUAlllY
Newer Equipment is Better
• ~S'li:r bl~w&rs ore req'i:ed ;c smil obo1:i I /3-fs·ss
pc'.,~onfi. 1n 1.; 13 :r.e EPA cho,!:d ir s s:nt :o~ ,landc·d:
iorSmoHnQir,eEquipmentsvchos:eofblow5rs.
• :Jc\.(::; :f ST.·: .. ·· ~r,I ~ .. : fj ~;,; C" ,:~1c:~ .;.J
evoprc·:•,e e:nii:!ons labsL
• {linsider els::~8-oM bat:er1-po:1e·ed blowers.
V.ari:rcct'&':o:econ1~.jng1')f1',a<eil'.emmc:sp0':,c1·.
ond 'ml tor.ger cslweencno•gei.
Maintenance
• Roe-·, e' tchecklher.iuf~f ,ai.:•1:~te.onda~ffi:e1s lo
mo(e ,:ie b'.c 11s1i ore wor{~JJ a: ~eat pe-:'c'!Yl~nce
• ~e·1er mod·'v bin·ers; us~ as foc1orp irecled
)us1 and Air Quality
• Do not u1e for c0nstrucliondust or pklster dusi
• Kssp rmte oc'nisd do-•m iored11ce t s1proyoi d. i'
P· ~ g.:ide is inlende.1 10 provide lips a~,d suggeilbris
for usi~g a leof b'ower. These best practi:es have
een developed in comuliolion w~h:
~eall,eCer,ter,Seoti1e Ci1ylighl. ~ea!lle Oeporlmer1
o!Cor,s!ruclion and lnipections, le□lf:e Decortmenl
of Finance and Admlnisiroiive Services, Seal\le
Department of Transportation, Seaille Por.<S and
Recreolicn, Seatlle 0ubEc Uliiilies
• • • • • •
Olher useful informoliori co.-, t:e kJnd oi:
Sugges!ions for ,ondscope "rofes1ior,oli ·
r1, .'th i:.~f' :,dC .-'·Jt1 lJr,~:~1c;:r·:'.::(:'" ,: ;
See ·'Moinlenance Plans" and other
susloinab:e fondscoping tc.pics
EPA Slandards for Small Equipmenl
w 111, .~p3.g: ,/r:p··:•,w· :::i::,i•6h'ci:S·O",H'.Jj:i,'
regu:otian1-emissions-smo'·-equipmeni-too's
LEAF BLOWER BEST
PRACTICES GUIDE
l
QJ
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ro
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u,
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-Qil~ City of Seattle Leaf Blower Best Practices Guide
'. ·~ . -~ ·iiii[ ~.--
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ALTERNATIVE METHODS
• CJr':)s! :'ec,e-:, E'E,<:';, .. ite· e, or£
J'SOI so "C&s '•1utrient: t: ·gardens
• _011nmv:,:IH . i:•-,~ ... :\ :re . .'€:01
op· rr ': • ft~h eaves -
,;r, ~•~-'JI"~,
,.,f'. '~~ :i~ ... tr.,,. C =t·,1,~;,..
i [:j. J €-Z••: r.i':.~ii:.
• :0c;slor'eLssota'Pto:ol1:ct;am
• -~:-;,,;~f"J'.'O -r:· ... :J;·,..}!-:, rr}Qrea·rJt
r.:,:, ... , .... .. .t,.''; .ol
COURTEOUS USAGE
• Stay SO feet from people orpeti
[Equal lo oboul ltvee carlenglhs)
• Think about lime of day:
• Hours-Avoidlooeartyorfoolafe
• Speokwilh neighbor, about best hour;
for usage
• Visualize how lo clear lhe property
• Start on edges and bklw away from
neighboring properties. streets, and
storm drains
• Pickuplorgerifemsfirst
• limilthenumberofleafblowersina
smallarea;mullipleleafblowers
ampify noise
l1
f
1~-... _ ...... ,.; .. -··
-,:., -w ,: . -:--_rr-It,, ··, __ ,;: -~ --;.,c;:-, ·•· -: j .. -
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Attachment 4
Town of Los Gatos leaf blower Ordinance
17 I Pag e
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
ORDINANCE 2231
AN ORDINANCE Ol•-THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN Of
LOS GATOS AMENDING SECTION 16.20,60 OF THE LOS GATOS TO\VN
ceoE RELA TlNG 'fO RESTRICTIONS.ON LEAF BLO\VER
OPERATlONS AND ADDING SECTION 16.20.70
WHEREAS, the use of motorized lcafhlowcr~ ,tdvi;rsdy impacts conrnumity health and
welfare: and
\VHEREAS, motorized [eaf blowers generate hi~h noise lcvds, whi ch clisrupl
ndghborhood trnnqu.ility, cJi~turh residents, workers and visitors, and thcrchy degrade the quality
ofllfe in Los Gato~; and
\VII ER EAS, the use of motorized leaf blowcr.s incrcnscs the volume l)f particulate matter
in Lhc .Jir :md thcrt:hy exacerbates allergies and respiratory ailments,
NOW, TIIEREr-ORE, Tl-IE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DOES HEREBY OIWAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Los Gatos To\',m Code St.:clicm 16.1().60 is hL-reby amended to read a.s follow~:
Sec. 16,20.060. Po\\'lircd ~((uipmcut.
a) Gasolii1c leaf blowers shall be prohibited from use 111 .al I rcsidcntilll,
commcrci,11, und industrial zones or public space.
h) Ehx:llic kafblowcrs in l-'Xccss of' 65 dcdht:li. shall lw prohibilcd rnim use
in all rcsidcnti.il. commercial, and industrial zones or public space ..
measured 50 feet from tl1c source.
c) Miscc:llancous nonstatimrnry rtoisc sourr.:cs such as; dcclric or gusolim:
lawn mowcrs. ckchical leaf blowers. edge trimmers. hedge trimm,:rs untl
other similar moveable noise sources shall be operated only during the
hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
weekends in residential, commercial, industrial. public spaces or iioise
sensitive zones. Lcufblowc;r use i1,; prohibitcxi un Sumluys and holidays,
d) Tht: prnvisilHJS of this section .shall not apply to emergency work as
definc<l in article I of this chapter.
18 I Page ·
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
I September 2019
e) Powered toys and models. Nn pcr.~on sh.ill operate or_ permit to be
opcrntcd any powered toy or model, as defined in article I of this chapter,
so as to cause a noise disturbance ar.:n,s~ a residential property plane or
violate the limitations ,md p11wi$io11~ of this chapter.
Sec. 16.20.070. Enforcement and \'telation-penlllty
a) The Town l'vlanagc.r, or his or her c.lcsig,n¢e, has primary rcsponsihiliL>' for
cnforcemc,it M this Chapter. The Town Manager is authorized to promulgate
rpgul.ilions and to lake :my and .111 other 11ctio11s reasonable mid ntcessary to
enforce this Chaptel'. including, hul not limitc:-d lo. itlvcstlv,ating viololi,1m;, .iml
issuing fines.
b) If the Town i\'lam1ger or hi~ llr her dc-signee detennines thm a violation of this
Clmplcr ha~ occum:<l, be /she will issue a written warni11g notii.:c that a YtOlalion
bus occurred.mid the polcnLiul penalties thnt will ap~>ly !or !inure violati(lns.
c) Tile violation nfany provision contained in tllis chapter. is hereby dccJ[lrcd
10 be unlawful and :my person or entity found to be in violation shall be
guilty of an infraction, whid1 shall be puni~hablc by a fine uot exceeding
five liunJred dollars.
d) The remedies provided in this subsectioa an: not exclusive, and nmhing in 1his
subsection shall rreduc.k the t1s1:. or applicatiurt of any other remedies, penalties
or pmccdur..:s t.'$lublished b)' 111w. · ·
Any pruvi:;iun vr th.: Los 0,Hos Town or appendices thereto incrn1sistent wit/1 tile
provisions of thh; Ordi,rnnec, co the extent of such in..:onsistcm:ics and no lirrlhcr, is herehy
rcpc-,1kd or modi fictl to that extent necessary to cffoct the pnwisinns nfthis Ordinuncc.
It' any section, subsci:tio11, ,;;cnli::ncc, clause, or rhra..;;c of this Ordinance is for any reason
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court ~1f competent jurisdiction, such
decision shall not affoct the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordi11anec. The Town
Cow1cil hereby declares that it would have pnssc<l this Ordinuncc and each and every scction,
subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not dedarecl invulid or u11c.i_1nslituiiont1l without regard lo
whether any portion orthc ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or uncenstitutional.
19 I Page
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
The Mayor sh;ill ;;ign and 1hc Town Clerk shall attest 10 the passage M this Ordinam:e.
The Town Ch:rk shall cau~c thi: same to be published once in the official newspaper wit.hin 15
days after irs adoption. This Ordi11ancc shall become effective 30 clays from its adoption.
This Ordinance was introduced at a Regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of
Los Gatos, on May ,. 20 I 4, and adoptc<l by the following vote a.~ an ordim1ncc nf the Town of
Lo:.-Gatos al a Regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos, California, held
on the 2nd d,iy of.lune 201 4. This ordinill1cc takes cft1.:ct JO days after it is adopted.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
t\ YES: Marcia Jensen, Barbara Specwr, tvlayor Steven Lconanlis
NAYS: Diane McNutt, Joe Pir1.ynski
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN
ATTEST:
~~'i\.~
CLEHK t\lJMINISTRATOR Of THE TOWN OF I.OS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
20 I Page
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Attachment 5
South Coast Air Quality Management District leaf blower exchange program information
21 I Pa g e
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
______ .f-;:J Bl2'0/7commerc ial~
( 0 '/-==J ~7 2 ower ~~(_::~J !J . .
Registration Open ~ can To Register 1-888-425-6247
The ?iouf?IUJ"1 JiI [Ullttf /J.r.,g,mrt llis~ict 11iJ Oi=Cll rcg,tr.oo1 f11 lhi;:,r,rl.tc,fEluNU brhlf'9' 11-ogr.mO!J lily 11. faoc:t!;nJm11Jll 11111 Jr,:trld cy STUI in il'£fily all.Ls /mgir,;-'t!Jn fll),
onAng,;J lS 1<--.J ftllh 11,f)'hnlrl ,r,"1J<;U~ 1L M\'Jh .. 11 dsoh:ldcr:!lmg:e1<rmAo1, T+]I ;J lhtirr<Uil rnllmfn C\:l.JlioJirl.whernlh!!Ji.cprn bali-ilil;!,:d 111rui:p:ru.lk-1tgislr.J!bn
~ RfQUrJO in~ th, 1r;a·1J!l:<1 ii !i:lp,Jijtf !hedte.nl focd!bn p1t-1clC!lro. .Ii m,,i11TJ1>cH1,, (~1 lrot bl,,,m ran bec~ofper ~n11'rtymi1J1i>1. fur.mmill lm!tuptlrnti !}lrrenm
O!"!Ullgl'lillin tr: Cit/ oftn, An1r-ks un a:fl!n!r-9'.Mir"-JIIGll"'cl bulpactrrafblw.m fr( b,ll~)'-JXIA•rm le•ilf•-to11>DtW,\ll Im Sillll !l ids:ru:1.trljlfcr. fa1fii;,llim ;, lil«Of~ b>ciiy
~,d (DllllY 1g111ri.!l,!p«i,l tf,lrirt+ «t~rlcirri:!s mdrrlltg:!. ;t;s1:Hwr. ill tifttllgfuu,(+)IP.l!ncy-clo:1remrdcl1. C&cu:t!fi:,,ar, zrd~!i, •Mlh t, Ud~!-E!:fd'lo'Cli<n~ c,,,lii,~-pt',l'<!'!fi
b1dp1d J,,f tl[!//C{ CJntiilr:tllilh sl.:k hw, "le>tarnil be lro\;l\Im llr. fultt!ul vJ.c,: Ii Jhrlruf bhvi:r.
,:, Model · · _ " · _ Discounted Price
1$) DsWALT DCBL790X1 $150w11h11aD:.fil(i!e!JM Ue$W))
Dallfry-cll'l'.trl: fullil):!d le.if blo\\lcl
[t£lm bJlte1y anj d\lr93I
I!/) DsWALT DCBL590X2 $250w:nhlrali!-in!i'.c1,hulu~S(ll.i)
aauer,-~l'l'.trK bact part k'.lf bllll'ltl
~ai:5 ~nery ard dlJrger} ·
If:\:.:' Model' -.~ ·-.. --~. •-~: ~·Discounted Price
t1} STIHL BGA 85
Baller/-cle.trk lilrdi1:ldli!fbloll'el
[rdm fl.llleiy 300 dD[9:f}
® ST/NL BGA 100
lla11er,-clf'CUl: hlctp.:d:11'.Jfblower
\~IJ.iuerr aajdmJll')
$200m11ad~-ln [Paal1'1JlueS47rn)
$500wuba.j~-li !Pf.!JIIH~Sl,419_92]
1.1£.((!(: IJGI.S!i((Q
STIHL
fa ro;ir1'rj'C>umlfl 'I'"' with111,nmd,m byc1ll11J l•l!S.t..!1S-6W (il:rsrl1y-f ritl.l1·iom Ba.rm to,pa). l\"m:do nct1<11u meM;.,., =l )00! m;u::,L fum11emfm:minn ro
Irr. !Ni ii•:'\\WS, pkm~i.il 001 WclJ p,geJL WWl{.J<,migr11,h:.YT~~"mmtrily lnrlsr.~l ln<n Eqi~mmL If)"" h«f '""""Cl) )'CU r,n erruU""1l='fi'<l~9'Jl
Exchange Dates
and Locations
Only morning rmmtions fiom 8 a.m. lo
12 pm. are available.
E. Ju~.sdi:iy, August 15:':Z'~
Van Nuys
Sepulveda Lavmmower
8202 Sepulveda Blvd_
North Hollywood
Simon's Power Equipment
12117 Vanowen Street
EA'c/JJn/11 event; ~r DeWJJt batterye/i!Cfllc l,Jf liowars wm be teldAug. 14-31 Jtt/Jilir renica re.1te1S in On/;ufo aMA.1J.IEh'll.
u !<t;inclro<ioo rlcl.s c~ij1do lliiir,r!< 11 U)II o-0r (~:}.(Y,lD) ibiri illrripor:il f'U d n crw.bi;ide ![ll~oc1,s d males l1 de jJfu Dri;fnlm,rrJ:in1 m fol £io.<lid de lDs Aajdes IXll lol <lfllp!tiio SllHl
tfu,:c 2 mx<fo,des~hd~.i, dd:o:cril dtdrh losfu,JJrr:s y !ulumo:Y,nfilr;sd 15ct JIJlrto y f11rlhlldljwcrod■ 11 doJ!!"10 lH:ffljJ.J\ia llt'N,ifl JoJ1?1rimnfrc<:e dc,srro:1:1:;s ccb.JJtlit cl:dri<!7
!!ti r.-=tt!Jrnm igolln 14-11 m Onllrny .lc..'cln Se r(:(J<icrqrlinl<ripii6n y LO mJom do S scpilooro11 p,,ra inlm,mbiO<'.r P..'< rn.r~,ii~ u O!!}lriz.xiin P,faj,lilliy jilliraos coo-,:,~~ c;u,1rib1jm
ro I, liudJd d,t,,, k<jclr:s pocr.m i:letooblJr,ofi,.xtrn demoml1 de !I"~"' JlOl ,opl,dcros :kb.il!xfo ,,c1riu1 r!< imh< rlmcrrml;,s. Cun~imd,cna 111 lt)'S r:s111t1cs, lo, inp~!ol it o:bmm
bm:m a, ,t mini origrul rid, 1oi;hd:<J.
v,,w,.aqrnd.gov
Progr>m _..,n,d by SCAOMD
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
Attachment 6
City of Saratoga Noise Standards flyer
23 I Page
CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEAF BLOWER
RESEARCH/BRIEFING PAPER
September 2019
--:-,._----;"'.~=·.~~ :-: ~~•-,•·_, ..... _;:,,~~''· -.~·\·.,-•., ', ... .....r~--~ ·• -~· ••
.::.·· ~-. -. · .• .-:,.:;Cfry~Qfi.~-ara{og)~-,~,~?1{~:·s!~fl~_gf~}-7)::{
. ;·TheJ~ity.of~~l~'.ii~,,:~tiom~;nreade~-U) ~, • . S~~'s~;~.,:~e,~?J ~" ~·
. ~ ·_;-· ~t.:.Slllritiartls ___ . b~CJ?td;fo.1:,: ~_;_f;p,rf:., ~fc¼f~ _•. ~--. \_ ~ ... · . . !
· :i. . , -. ,ot the.~t~o~ ~d huo~: ---~•,_~-· ·.·· ~:the C. ttf,.'~ire.-. ·.-_ -~•--~!:.~.·: ·
· bd.ovr(The,9tfs noise~ _ ·:,ar~:"-ailahl,ein __ ,~,.,:,.~)Jr3Q:of,~S-~~'M;:~:_· ,-,. ,--~!-: _
. ~ . -•~,-. . ; '_,:.,:,.~:.;,,-f,!:.,)J:~:.-. i,;J". --·-:•: ·.-,·~~-• .'... ~--'~: .---:, :".> ... ,~,: _-,}{:-·' t· ·. F~r:~ in.funruition '!~t~~' c-a.us/cdd or1call-408 '868.1240--'. ;: ~~-r~ -~~---'~ ''.; ·••. <, -,-:~-:::..~~"-!,..:...t,".~-::.\-:.~~:;:~.:~.:'~~~~~--r." ' • ~ ..... ,~. -. " • c;-.~ ~,-.. --~~!..-·
GARDE:-.i TOOC.S
Power~d g-Jickn toohcan bi! tmd myd!!}' ofthe-wcek be~·£en B a.m. a.r..d 'ii p.m. This doe; not
. ir.:lude gas-po"Nercd lt:ublowm, chainsaws and woro chrppcr;;, which ha\·e special lirnit:ilions.
G:as-p:iwcre.l leaf blowers, chainsaws, wd wood cliippm on be wed :'.\olond;iy thnmgh Frid .. ry from
!l a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays, the}' cm be used from to a.m. to 5 p.m. The}' c:innot be used on
Sunday~.
Powered gardm to::,l;, with the eueptfon of woo;l cltippers, :a.rl! limlt~d to 78 decibels, me:asurad 25
feet from the t..."<ll. Snur,d from wood chipp!?ri c:rnnot exceed UO decibel~.
AN!I\HU;
[t ls expected that owncrs will keep meir 3,iims.ls from miking noise dlstmb:mtes bctwwn 10 p.m.
:md 7a.m.
Continuoas m,ise ci!.ucd by~ :mim·al-such:;; be:r'.:int, .quawking, or meowing--betwc-€n 7 a.m.
~nd 10 p.m. is gmer:illy not allowed. Noise ts c~nslilcrcd "conti!luous" ifit occurs oolnrorrupted fa:r
3 minutes or lntermitte;,tly for at lell!it 30 minutes. Th~se Jimitatf:m, do not apply if w antrn:il ls
prqt£cting il:!I owner(&), resisting tresprne[(s), or i:i pnwokod.
C0;1;:8TRLIC110N
Construction ls :tllowed !vfonchy thro·.1gh Fridey b~~.veen 7:Jf a.m. and 6 p.m. _On S!.turtb.ys,
c:instruction 6n nc...1r between 9 a.m .. and S p.m.
R£Siden!i:tl construction th~t does not require a City permit, or which doa; not ace.ed 50 percent of
the axisling main or :i..:msc,ry stru.ctur~, m:i:y ts.lea pfa~c l:-!!twem9 a.m. :md 5 p.m. an Sur,d'aj.c and
weekday holidays. All ,:,ther construction ls llDt allmvcd on Sunchy. or weekday hnli&}'Jl.
MUSIC
Outdoor mu.sic ln the S!!.ratog.; Village. is allow-ed by sptdtl permit on Friday; from S p.m. 1D
9 p.m., S atmd-ays from 4 p.m. ro 9 p.m., and Sun&y. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Music cmnot 1!..lCa~d
7J decibels me:.rured 2J f€et from the source.
llv~ and r~conkd mus!;: is alliiwetl [ns!de. any b'1iirnm in the City. Y\''ir>..tlows :md doors must be
dom3 after 9 p.m. wrule music is being pl:a)·ed.
FE.R:\itn S
Noise ac~ptlon psrmlts ,an be. cbtained for c~rt:!.in .peci.2.l :u:thities M,d 11",'e.nts. Th~ Plannln,:
Dh'i&ion in thcCommunlty De·,'!'lopment Department issue; the.;e permit;. For more informatiDn,
atll 403.868.1223 or ,isit www.saratoga.ea.us/cdd.
COMPLAJ:\TS
Complaints :u-e ir.vesti:gated on a cse-by-::ase. basis. Anonymous complaint; wiU not be amrpted.
Bnsiness l·lours./\'ll'eel:&ys: 401l.E68.12!4 (Community Developm!!nt Dep:utmcr,t)
Afierho•.1rs/\.Yecki,nds/Holidays: 4\1B.l99.2:311 (Sheriffs O!:lke Di,parch)