Leaf Blower Rules: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego and San Marcos have similar restriction levels.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
SDMC Section 59.5.0502(b) restricts leaf blower use in residential zones: prohibited 7 PM to 8 AM weekdays and 5 PM to 9 AM weekends/holidays. Maximum 65 dBA at 50 feet. California AB 1346 banned sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 1, 2024.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos does not have a local ban on gas-powered leaf blowers beyond state law. California Assembly Bill 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (including leaf blowers) effective January 1, 2024. Existing gas-powered equipment may still be used but must comply with San Marcos noise ordinance quiet hours.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Hours | 8 AM-7 PM | - |
| Weekend Hours | 9 AM-5 PM | - |
| Max dBA | 65 dBA at 50 feet | - |
| Gas Ban | AB 1346 (Jan 2024 sales) | - |
| Code Section | SDMC 59.5.0502(b) | Chapter 10.24 |
| Local Gas Blower Ban | - | No (state sales ban only) |
| State Law | - | AB 1346 (sales ban Jan 2024) |
| Restricted Hours | - | During quiet hours only |
| Code Enforcement | - | (760) 744-1050 x3234 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
When can leaf blowers be used in San Diego?
Weekdays 8 AM to 7 PM, weekends and holidays 9 AM to 5 PM. Maximum sound level is 65 dBA at 50 feet per SDMC 59.5.0502(b).
Are gas leaf blowers banned in San Diego?
California AB 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers statewide effective January 1, 2024. Existing gas blowers may still be used within the city's time and noise restrictions.
San Marcos FAQ
Are gas leaf blowers banned in San Marcos CA?
San Marcos does not have a local ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. However, California AB 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and small off-road engines statewide starting January 1, 2024. Existing gas equipment may still be used.
What hours can I use a leaf blower in San Marcos?
Leaf blowers must not be used during quiet hours: before 7 AM or after 10 PM on weekdays, and before 7 AM or after 11 PM on weekends. Outside of quiet hours, use is permitted but must not create an unreasonable nuisance.
Can I hire a landscaper who uses gas-powered equipment in San Marcos?
Yes. While new gas-powered equipment can no longer be sold in California since January 2024, existing gas-powered leaf blowers and landscaping tools may still be used. Landscapers must comply with local noise quiet hours.
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