Lafayette Leaf Blower Ban Goes into Effect in 2024

The City of Lafayette reminds residents that its gasoline powered leaf blower ban ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2024.

UPDATE October 10, 2023: 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 draft 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?

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.

FAQs

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 will be 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.

Are there penalties for violating the ordinance?

The ordinance will take effect July 1, 2024. The City will enforce this regulation on a complain-driven basis. Potential violators are subject to standard administrative citations which start at up to $100 for the first violation.

What if I am a homeowner and my landscape contractor uses a gas powered leaf blower?

As a homeowner you will want to make sure your landscape contractor is aware of the new law. Homeowners who operate gas powered leaf blowers or allow anyone to operate a gas powered leaf blower on their property will be held responsible for the violation. Ask your landscape contractor if they own or have access to electric equipment. You may consider purchasing an electric or battery powered leaf blower for your landscape contractor to use when servicing your property.

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.

How much do electric leaf blowers cost?

Electric leaf blowers and lawn equipment are growing in popularity.  Hardware stores carry corded leaf blowers for as low as $45.  Cordless models can range $89-400, depending on power and battery capacity.  If you’re looking to purchase additional batteries, those can sometimes cost $200-500 alone. Learn about the different types of zero-emission leaf blowers and other lawn equipment on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) website.

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.  Point of sale vouchers are now available for small business landscape professionals to purchase discounted zero-emission lawn mowers, blowers, or other equipment.  Here’s how to participate: https://californiacore.org/how-to-participate-professional-landscape/

CARB also maintains a list of other incentives available through county governments or regional Air Quality Districts throughout the state.

Gas leaf blower recycling

As long as there is no gas in the gas leaf blowers, you can retire your leaf blower at the following locations for free:

• Concord Recycling Center https://concordrecyclingcenter.com/recyclables.php

• Rapid Recycle https://rapidrecycle.net/

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Sept. 21: Lafayette Set to Discuss Gas Powered Leaf Blower Ban