Leaf Blower Rules: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County does not have a standalone leaf blower ordinance, but use is governed by County Code Chapter 4.88 (Noise Control) exterior dBA standards and the statewide AB 1346 ban on new sales of gas-powered small off-road engines (SORE) effective January 1, 2024. Operation must stay within permitted construction hours: 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 5 PM Saturdays, and never on Sundays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo specifically regulates leaf blower operation under Chapter 10.80 in addition to the general noise ordinance. Leaf blowers must comply with both the noise standards in Chapter 7.30 and the specific provisions of Chapter 10.80. Operation is limited to construction-permitted hours.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Chapter 4.88 Noise Control | - |
| Daytime Limit | 55 to 75 dBA at property line | - |
| Hours | 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays | - |
| State Ban | AB 1346 new gas SORE sales | - |
| No Use | Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas | - |
| Code Reference | - | SMMC Chapter 10.80 |
| Weekday Hours | - | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Saturday | - | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday/Holidays | - | Noon – 4 PM |
| Emissions | - | CARB standards apply to gas models |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Is it illegal to USE my existing gas leaf blower?
AB 1346 bans the SALE of new units statewide since Jan 1, 2024, but existing gas blowers may still be operated. However, several San Mateo County cities (San Mateo, Menlo Park, Belmont) have enacted local use bans. Unincorporated County has no use ban, only noise-limit and hour restrictions.
What days and hours can I use a leaf blower in unincorporated San Mateo County?
7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, and 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. Operation is prohibited on Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Noise must remain within Chapter 4.88 dBA limits at the neighboring property line.
San Mateo FAQ
What hours can I use a leaf blower in San Mateo?
Weekdays 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays/holidays noon to 4 PM. These match the construction hour limits.
Are gas leaf blowers banned in San Mateo?
Gas leaf blowers are not banned but must meet CARB emissions standards and comply with noise limits. Electric leaf blowers are quieter and preferred.
Does Ch. 10.80 apply to my landscaper?
Yes. Landscape companies and their crews must comply with Chapter 10.80 leaf blower restrictions when working in San Mateo.
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