1. What is happening?
The City of South Pasadena is prohibiting the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the City at anytime for any purpose.
2. Why is it happening?
The ban is in response to a growing concern of gas-powered leaf blowers contributing to the detriment of public health, quality of life, and the environment.
The toxic pollutants from gas-powered leaf blowers are known to cause health issues including dizziness, asthma attacks, headaches, and heart and lung disease for both operators and bystanders.
The powerful noise when operating gas-powered leaf blowers causes hearing loss and diminishes the quality of life in the City.
The emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers, including the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, contribute to air pollution and climate change.
3. When is it happening?
The ordinance is effective, and violations may be subject to enforcement. Please see FAQ #7 related to penalties. The City is currently working with the community to provide education and awareness, and that information will be posted on this website as it becomes available.
4. Who does this apply to?
Any property owner (including the city) or tenant operating or authorizing the operation of a gas-powered leaf blower at anytime for any purpose.
5. Who will be held responsible?
The property owner or tenant, whichever person is responsible for authorizing the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, shall be responsible for violations of this ordinance.
6. Are there exceptions?
Yes, leaf blowers (gas powered or electrically powered) can be utilized by emergency responders for the purpose of responding to an emergency, or to clear downed trees in areas needing expedient clearance for the safety of the public.
7. What is the penalty?
To assist with the implementation of this ban, the City is working to provide education and awareness in the community. To this effect, the City may issue courtesy notices to property owners or tenants to inform them of the need to comply with the ban. The City Council has authorized the following penalties for violations:
- First violation: written warning notice
- Second violation: a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00)
- Third violation: a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00)
- Fourth violation and any subsequent violation: a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00)
- The City may exercise discretion in the assessment of the additional penalties to afford alleged violators a reasonable period to receive the mailed notices and comply.
8. What equipment does this apply to?
Gas-powered leaf blowers only. This does not apply to lawnmowers, trimmers, or other landscaping equipment.
9. How can I report a violation?
Email leafblowers@southpasadenaca.gov to report a violation or for additional information. Include the address/location, date, and time of use of the gas-powered leaf blower. Picture(s) of the gas-powered leaf blower are optional, but very helpful. To afford timely notifications to potential violators, all violations should be reported to the City within seven days of their occurrence. Your report is confidential.
10. How will this be enforced?
Code Enforcement will enforce this municipal code. Please view the penalty section above for more information on the types of penalties that will be incurred.
11. Are other cities banning gas-powered leaf blowers?
Yes, over 200 cities in the United States have enacted bans or restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers including West Hollywood, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Claremont, and Santa Monica.
12. Is the state planning on banning gas-powered leaf blowers?
The California State legislature is currently debating AB 1346, which would ban the sale of new gas-powered leaf-blowers, lawnmowers, and other small off-road engines (SOREs). This ban would take effect by 2024, or earlier if deemed feasible by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Adopting an ordinance prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers prepares the South Pasadena community for future restrictions on such equipment.