City Council
MEETING DATE: 4/27/2016
TITLE:
Title
Regulation of Leaf Blowers
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Based on constituent feedback Councilmember Kaplan requested a discussion item be placed on the study session agenda regarding the possible further regulation of leaf blowers.
DISCUSSION:
Leaf blowers are currently addressed in the noise ordinance as follows:
11.96.050 Controlled hours of operation.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in the following activities other than between the hours of eight a.m. and eight p.m. in residential zones and other than between the hours of seven a.m. to eight p.m. in all other zones:
A. Operate or permit the use of powered model vehicles and planes;
B. Load or unload any vehicle, or operate or permit the use of dollies, carts, forklifts, or other wheeled equipment that causes any impulsive sound, raucous or unnecessary noise within one thousand feet of a residence;
C. Operate or permit the use of domestic power tools, or machinery or any other equipment or tool in any garage, workshop, house or any other structure;
D. Operate or permit the use of gasoline or electric powered leaf blowers, such as commonly used by gardeners and other persons for cleaning lawns, yards, driveways, gutters and other property;
Staff conducted a survey of Coachella Valley cities to see if leaf blowers are regulated more extensively in any other jurisdictions. Responses were received from Indian Wells, Palm Desert and Palm Springs. The survey results are attached.
Also attached is an article describing a program through the South Coast Air Quality Management District where landscape companies may be able to trade in leaf blowers for quieter and less polluting models at a discounted price.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Survey results
SCAQMD Article