Leaf Blower Rules: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
RMC §9.50.050(D) restricts the use of gasoline or electric leaf blowers — by gardeners, contractors, or residents — to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in all zones. Rialto does not ban gas leaf blowers outright (unlike some coastal CA cities).
View full Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted hours (all zones) | 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (RMC §9.50.050) | - |
| Equipment covered | Gasoline AND electric leaf blowers (§9.50.050(D)) | - |
| Gas leaf blower ban | No local ban; CA AB 1346 only restricts new equipment sales after Jan 1, 2024 | - |
| Decibel cap | None specified in §9.50.050; 'plainly audible across property lines' standard via §9.50.030(A)(7) | - |
| Maximum fine | $1,000 per offense for 4th violation in 12 months (§9.50.130) | - |
| 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.
Rialto FAQ
Are gas-powered leaf blowers banned in Rialto?
No. Rialto restricts when leaf blowers may operate (7 a.m.–8 p.m. under RMC §9.50.050(D)), but does not ban them outright. California's AB 1346 prohibits the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines after January 1, 2024, but residents and gardeners may continue to use existing equipment during the permitted hours.
Can my gardener start at 6 a.m.?
Not in Rialto. The leaf-blower window under §9.50.050(D) starts at 7:00 a.m. in every zone, including weekends. The earlier 6:00 a.m. summer start in §9.50.070(B)(2) applies only to construction work, not to gardening.
Is there a quieter-blower or decibel requirement?
Rialto Municipal Code §9.50.050 does not set a decibel cap for leaf blowers — only an hours restriction. A blower can still draw a complaint under §9.50.030(A)(7) if it is 'unreasonably loud, unnecessary or unusual,' considering factors like proximity to sleeping facilities and duration.
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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