Leaf Blower Rules: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa and Midway City 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 →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Leaf blowers in unincorporated Orange County must comply with the general noise standards of OCCO Section 4-6-5 and are subject to California Assembly Bill 1346, which phases out gas-powered small off-road engines. The county does not have a standalone leaf blower ban, but noise limits and state emission rules effectively restrict use.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Ban | No city-specific ban | - |
| dB Standard | CMMC §13-280 exterior limits | - |
| Gas Blower Ban | CA AB 1346 restricts new sales | - |
| Code Section | CMMC Chapter XIII | - |
| Noise Standard | - | 55 dBA daytime / 50 dBA nighttime |
| County Code | - | OCCO §4-6-5 |
| State Law | - | AB 1346 (gas ban, new sales) |
| CARB Effective Date | - | January 1, 2024 |
| Permitted Hours | - | 7 AM – 8 PM (Mon–Sat) |
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.
Midway City FAQ
Are gas-powered leaf blowers banned in unincorporated Orange County?
Existing gas-powered leaf blowers may still be used, but California AB 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines including leaf blowers effective January 1, 2024. Use must comply with OCCO noise limits.
When can leaf blowers be used in unincorporated Orange County?
Leaf blowers are permitted during construction hours (7 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday) and must not exceed 55 dBA at the property line during daytime per OCCO Section 4-6-5.
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