City Modifies Leaf Blower Ordinance to Allow Zero-Emission Blowers
August 24, 2023 8:01 AM
by Elias Platte-Bermeo
Since 1991, gas-powered leaf blowers have been banned in Santa Monica in order to reduce associated air pollution and noise. However, many gas-powered leaf blowers have remained in use. These gas-powered leaf blowers often have high sound ratings between 80-100 decibels and emit pollutants that are harmful to the environment and human health.
In July 2023, City Council adopted policy changes to address this issue by allowing only zero-emission electric leaf blowers that have a sound rating at or below 70 decibels and enhancing enforcement of the City’s leaf blower policy by allowing community members to submit photo or video evidence of violations. Community members can report suspected violations of this policy through the City’s 311 system by navigating to the “Noise Complaint” category.
This updated policy enables efficient landscaping while ensuring that equipment does not exceed healthy noise levels. It also supports the City’s Climate Action & Adaptation Plan goal of carbon neutrality and the Sustainable City Plan goals around improving air quality for all.
Importantly, this updated policy shifts the burden of compliance from typically low-wage landscaping workers to the person or entity who employs them. Employed landscapers will not be held responsible for violations if they are provided a prohibited device – like a gas-powered leaf blower – by a responsible party or are directed to conduct prohibited landscaping activities – like using a gas-powered leaf blower – by a responsible party. Responsible parties include a property owner, tenant, occupant, person with a legal interest in real property or person in possession of real property, the president or other head of an entity or a person authorized by an entity to receive service of process in a civil action, a business owner, or manager of a business.
For more information on Santa Monica’s updated leaf blower policy, visit the City’s website.
Authored By
Elias Platte-Bermeo
Sustainability Analyst