Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

CLEAR VIOLATION PHOTO

UNCLEAR VIOLATION PHOTO

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?

Now! The ordinance is effective and violations are subject to enforcement. Please see FAQ #7 related to penalties.

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?

Report a violation by:

1. Email leafblowers@southpasadenaca.gov. 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.
2. Download the SouthPas Mobile App and submit a report through the “Service Requests” option. 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 Glendale, Pasadena, 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.

On December 5, 2024, City staff provided the following presentation to update the community on enforcement and outreach efforts. 

December 5, 2024 - Leaf Blower Implementation Update Presentation(PDF, 5MB)

Visit the Program Webpage and Apply 

The South Coast AQMD offers a year-round program for consumers to purchase new electric lawn and garden equipment. This program includes rebates for lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. Each applicant can receive up to three rebates, provided that each rebate is for a different type of equipment.

 The Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Rebate Program allows participants to purchase new cordless electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, or trimmers from authorized retailers. To qualify for a rebate based on the purchase price, residents must return their operational old gasoline equipment to an approved dismantler for destruction.

The rebate program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and provides up to $250 towards the cost of a residential cordless battery-powered lawn mower, leaf blower, chainsaw, or trimmer.

**Purchase Price and Eligible Rebate Amounts:**

- Purchase Price $250 or less: $150 rebate

- Purchase Price $251 to $400: $200 rebate

- Purchase Price $401 or more: $250 rebate  

*Note: The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price.*

**Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Requirements:**

The equipment purchased must be new; used, previously owned, or factory-reconditioned items are not eligible. It must be zero-emission and battery-powered. Corded electric lawn and garden equipment does not qualify. Additionally, the equipment must be specified for residential use and come with a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty. Equipment purchased as part of a bundled package with other lawn equipment is also not eligible.

For questions, please email lawnmower@aqmd.gov.

*Please note that NO refurbished or reconditioned residential electric lawn and garden equipment will be accepted as part of this program. It is crucial to verify that you are purchasing new, never-used residential lawn and garden equipment BEFORE disposing of your old gas-powered equipment.

1. If you are an eligible participant, start by visiting one of the participating program retailers listed on our website (www.aqmd.gov/lawngarden).
2. The retailer will help you determine eligibility, assist with selecting eligible commercial-grade lawn and garden equipment.
3. The retailer will apply for a voucher on your behalf and submit the voucher application for South Coast AQMD approval.
4. Once approved, you would bring your old, gas- or diesel-powered commercial lawn and garden equipment for the retailer to send to the dismantler and pick up your new replacement battery-powered electric equipment at a discounted price! 

Funding for the California CORE Voucher Incentive Project has been exhausted-the program is currently closed.

The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is a program set in place to assist small businesses and sole proprietors (or unincorporated businesses) in purchasing zero-emission equipment in California. This program helps businesses purchase electric equipment, including electric leaf blowers, at a discounted rate.

Senate Bill 170 appropriated $27 million to the California Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) to provide incentives for professional landscape services in California operated by a small business or sole proprietor. These funds are intended to purchase qualifying zero-emission professional landscape service equipment.