Leaf Blower Rules: Costa Mesa vs Garden Grove
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Garden Grove, CA?
Costa Mesa and Garden Grove have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa regulates leaf blower noise through its general noise control ordinance in CMMC Chapter XIII. Leaf blowers must comply with exterior noise standards at the property line. California AB 1346 restricts new gas-powered blower sales statewide.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove regulates leaf blower use through its general noise control ordinance in Chapter 8.47. Leaf blowers are subject to the same residential quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM and the ambient-plus-5-dB property-line standard.
View full Garden Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Ban | No city-specific ban | No city-specific ban |
| dB Standard | CMMC §13-280 exterior limits | Ambient + 5 dB at property line |
| Gas Blower Ban | CA AB 1346 restricts new sales | CA AB 1346 restricts new sales |
| Code Section | CMMC Chapter XIII | GGMC Chapter 8.47 |
| Prohibited Hours | - | 10 PM – 7 AM residential |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Are leaf blowers banned in Costa Mesa?
No. Costa Mesa does not ban leaf blowers. They must comply with the exterior noise standards in CMMC Section 13-280 at the property line.
When can leaf blowers be used?
Leaf blowers may be used during permitted hours (generally 7 AM to 8 PM) provided noise levels stay within the exterior noise standards at the property line.
Does the California gas blower ban apply?
Yes. AB 1346 restricts sales of new gas-powered small off-road engines statewide. Existing gas blowers may still be used within Costa Mesa's noise limits.
Garden Grove FAQ
Are leaf blowers banned in Garden Grove?
No. Garden Grove does not ban leaf blowers. They are regulated under the general noise ordinance, Chapter 8.47, and may not be used between 10 PM and 7 AM in residential areas.
Does California have a gas leaf blower ban that affects Garden Grove?
Yes. AB 1346 restricts the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines including leaf blowers as of January 1, 2024. Existing gas blowers may still be used within Garden Grove's permitted hours.
What is the noise limit for leaf blowers in Garden Grove?
Leaf blower noise exceeding the ambient base level by more than 5 dB at the property line is a violation under GGMC Section 8.47.050, regardless of time of day.
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