Leaf Blower Rules: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino has no leaf-blower–specific ban or hour restriction in its Municipal Code; leaf-blower operation is governed by the general exterior noise standards in CMC § 9.40.040 and by California state law. Under California AB 1346, the California Air Resources Board prohibits the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (SORE) — including most gas leaf blowers — beginning with model-year 2024.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino limits leaf blower use to construction-hour windows. California AB 1346 banned sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines including leaf blowers beginning in 2024.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Local hour restriction | None specific; subject to CMC § 9.40.040 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. daytime envelope) | - |
| Decibel cap (daytime) | 55 dBA L50 / 75 dBA Lmax at neighbor's property line | - |
| State rule | AB 1346 — new gas SORE sales banned starting MY 2024 | - |
| Existing equipment | Continued use of pre-2024 gas blowers remains lawful | - |
| Quieter alternative | Battery-electric blowers typically 55–65 dBA at 50 ft | - |
| Local Code | - | SBMC Chapter 8.54 |
| State Ban (new sales) | - | AB 1346 effective 2024 |
| Permitted Hours | - | 7 AM to 7 PM, Mon to Sat |
| Regional Air Agency | - | SCAQMD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Are gas leaf blowers banned in Chino?
Operation is not banned, but California AB 1346 / CARB regulations prohibit the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (including most gas leaf blowers) beginning model-year 2024. You can keep using equipment you already own.
What hours can a landscaper use a leaf blower in Chino?
Chino has no equipment-specific hour rule. Operation is permitted within the CMC § 9.40.040 daytime envelope (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) provided sound at the neighbor's property line stays under 55 dBA L50 / 75 dBA Lmax.
Can my HOA ban leaf blowers entirely?
An HOA can adopt stricter rules than the city, but California Civil Code § 4735 limits enforcement of HOA landscape rules during drought emergencies. Equipment bans are generally allowed.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I still use my existing gas leaf blower?
Yes. AB 1346 only bans the sale of new gas-powered small engines; existing units can still be operated within permitted hours.
What times are leaf blowers allowed?
Generally 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday under SBMC 8.54, with reduced hours on Sundays and holidays.
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