Gas Leaf Blower Ban: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do gas leaf blower ban rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose Ordinance 30739, adopted 2022, bans the use, sale, and rental of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide. California AB-1346 separately phases out new small off-road gas engine sales statewide starting 2024 through CARB.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
California AB-1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and other small off-road engines under 25 horsepower starting 2024, applying across Santa Clara County. Several cities including Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Gatos enforce stricter operating bans, while unincorporated areas follow the state floor.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| City ordinance | San Jose Ord. 30739 (2022) | - |
| State phase-out | AB-1346 starting 2024 | AB-1346 effective 2024 |
| Coverage area | Citywide all properties | - |
| First-offense fine | $100 administrative citation | - |
| Allowed alternative | Battery or corded electric | - |
| Engine threshold | - | Under 25 horsepower |
| County operating ban | - | None countywide currently |
| Allowed alternatives | - | Battery or corded electric |
| Rebate source | - | BAAQMD Clean Air Funds |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Can my landscaper still bring a gas blower from home?
No. Operation anywhere inside San Jose is prohibited. Both the worker and the homeowner who hired them are jointly liable for citations issued by code enforcement officers.
Are gas mowers and trimmers also banned?
San Jose's ordinance targets leaf blowers specifically, but California AB-1346 phases out new gas mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers under 25 horsepower starting 2024 through CARB sales rules.
Does the city offer rebates for electric blowers?
Yes. Bay Area Air Quality Management District and San Jose Clean Energy periodically offer trade-in rebates for commercial landscapers switching to battery-electric equipment. Check the BAAQMD grants page.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can my landscaper still use gas blowers in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
Yes, existing gas blowers remain legal to operate. AB-1346 only blocks new retail sales. However, in cities like Palo Alto or Los Altos a separate operating ban still applies regardless of equipment age.
Are there rebates to switch to electric?
Yes. BAAQMD Clean Air Funds run periodic landscaper exchange events with discounts on battery blowers. PG&E and Silicon Valley Clean Energy run residential rebates. Check qualifying-equipment lists before purchase to confirm rebate eligibility.
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