Leaf Blower Rules: Gaithersburg vs Takoma Park
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Gaithersburg and Takoma Park have similar restriction levels.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Bill 35-20 bans gas-powered leaf blowers countywide effective January 1, 2025, which applies within Gaithersburg. Only battery-electric and corded-electric leaf blowers are permitted. This is one of the most aggressive leaf blower regulations in the Mid-Atlantic region.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Takoma Park has among the strictest leaf blower rules in the DC metro. The city noise ordinance (Ch. 14.12, Sec. 8) caps all leaf blowers at 70 dBA at 50 feet, bans nighttime use entirely, and limits daytime use to 2 hours per property per 24-hour period. Additionally, Montgomery County banned all gas-powered leaf blowers effective July 1, 2025, with $500 fines.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| Law | MoCo Bill 35-20 | - |
| Gas Blower Ban | Effective Jan 1, 2025 | - |
| Permitted | Battery and corded electric only | - |
| Applies To | Residential and commercial | - |
| First Violation | Written warning | - |
| Max Sound | - | 70 dBA at 50 feet |
| Nighttime Use | - | Prohibited entirely |
| Daytime Limit | - | 2 hours per property |
| Gas Blowers | - | Banned (MoCo, July 2025) |
| Gas Violation | - | $500 citation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
Are gas leaf blowers banned in Gaithersburg?
Yes. Montgomery County Bill 35-20 bans all gas-powered leaf blowers countywide as of January 1, 2025. Only battery-electric and corded-electric blowers are allowed.
Does the gas blower ban apply to landscaping companies?
Yes. All commercial landscaping companies operating in Gaithersburg must use electric blowers regardless of where the company is headquartered.
Is there help transitioning to electric blowers?
Montgomery County established a rebate program to assist residents and commercial landscapers with the cost of switching to electric equipment.
Takoma Park FAQ
Are gas leaf blowers legal in Takoma Park?
No. Montgomery County banned all gas-powered leaf blowers effective July 1, 2025. Violations carry a $500 citation. Only electric models meeting the 70 dBA limit at 50 feet are permitted.
How long can I use a leaf blower in Takoma Park?
Leaf blower use is limited to 2 accumulated hours per 24-hour period per property during daytime only. No use is allowed during nighttime hours (after 8 PM weekdays or 10 PM weekends).
Does the county offer help switching to electric?
Yes. Montgomery County offers rebates on electric leaf blower purchases to help residents and landscaping businesses transition from gas-powered equipment.
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