The City of Lafayette announced this week it was stepping up enforcement on its gas-powered leaf blower ban.
According to the city, gas-powered leaf blowers contribute to air pollution and noise pollution, and since July 1 of last year, their use has been banned in Lafayette. To date, they have been educating the community about this change for about a year and starting this month, they are now taking a more aggressive enforcement approach:
Lafayette says that it will now consider submitted photographic evidence to determine whether to send a courtesy notice or a warning notice to property owners. In addition, the city public works inspectors and code enforcement officer will be keeping an eye out for violators when they are out and about in the community.
- Starting this month, if a complaint includes clear photographic evidence that a gas-powered leaf blower was used and the property can be identified in the picture, Code Enforcement may be able to directly issue a Warning Notice of Violation to the property owner.
- For complaints without clear photographic evidence, staff will continue to send a Courtesy Notice to the property owner to remind them that gas-powered leaf blowers are not allowed in Lafayette.
Use our Code Enforcement Request Form to report a violation and upload relevant photographs. To learn more about the gas-powered leaf blower ban, visit www.lovelafayette.org/leaf-blowers.
Previous
- June 2024 – Lafayette: Gas-Power Leaf Blower Ban Begins July 1
- Dec 2023 – Lafayette Leaf Blower Ban Goes into Effect in 2024
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:
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Concord Recycling Center https://concordrecyclingcenter.com/recyclables.php
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Rapid Recycle https://rapidrecycle.net/
