CITY ADOPTS UPDATED LEAF BLOWER REGULATIONS

On September 10, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. O19-737 amending Section 8.28.040 of Palos Verdes Estates Municipal Code (PVEMC) regulating the use of leaf blowers to address health, safety, and environmental consequences associated with their use.

Leaf blowers emit dangerous carbon dioxide levels and stress-inducing noise and blow loose debris, pesticides, and heavy metals into the air that PVE residents breathe. Gasoline-powered leaf blowers in particular have been discouraged or prohibited in many communities due to their emission of toxic air pollutants commonly linked to asthma and heart disease.

The adopted ordinance, which took effect on January 8, 2020, prohibits both the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers on residential lots and any electric/battery-powered leaf blower emitting a noise level above 65 decibels. To address residential noise concerns, leaf blower use will also be restricted to the following days and times (as outlined currently in PVEMC 8.28.030): Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The use of leaf blowers is prohibited on Sunday.

Additionally, leaf blower operators will be required to comply with the California Department of Industrial Regulations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards §1910.133 (Eye and Face Protection) and §1910.95 (Occupational Noise Exposure).

See the ordinance for additional restrictions.

Through the South Coast Air Quality Management District, commercial landscapers and gardeners are eligible to qualify for a point-of-purchase discount of up to 60 percent on new, zero-emission lawn and garden equipment. Participants can purchase qualifying equipment from authorized dealers in exchange for an equivalent, operable piece of diesel- or gasoline-powered equipment. More information is available at http://www.aqmd.gov/lawngarden.

For more information, please contact codeenforcement@pvestates.org or (310) 378-0383.