Leaf Blower Rules: Santa Monica vs South Gate
How do leaf blower rules rules compare between Santa Monica, CA and South Gate, CA?
South Gate has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Gas-powered leaf blowers have been banned in Santa Monica since 1991. Only electric blowers with manufacturer sound rating of 70 dB or less are allowed (July 2023 update). Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM. Photo/video evidence accepted for enforcement.
View full Santa Monica rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate has no city-specific gas-leaf-blower ban. Leaf blowers, mowers, and edgers are regulated through SGMC Chapter 11.34 (Noise Control Program), which limits on-property equipment noise by zone and time of day, plus the general 'offensive portable noise' standard in §7.44.020.02(a) for landscaping crews working on private property. Statewide, California Assembly Bill 1346 (2021) bans the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (SORE), including most consumer leaf blowers and lawnmowers, starting in 2024 under CARB rulemaking — but use of existing equipment remains legal.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Monica | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Gas-Powered | Banned since 1991 | - |
| Electric Max | 70 dB manufacturer rating | - |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8 AM - 8 PM | - |
| Enforcement | Photo/video evidence via 311 | Code Enforcement + SGPD (§7.44.060) |
| City-specific leaf-blower ban | - | None — Chapter 11.34 noise limits apply |
| State law | - | AB 1346 / CARB SORE rule — new-sale ban from MY2024 |
| Existing equipment | - | Legal to own and operate |
| Hired crews | - | Exempt from Ch. 7.44 but subject to Ch. 11.34 |
| Statute reference | - | Cal. Health & Safety Code §43018.11 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Monica FAQ
Are gas leaf blowers legal in Santa Monica?
No. Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned. Only electric blowers rated at 70 dBA or less are permitted under SMMC §4.12.180.
What hours can leaf blowers be used in Santa Monica?
Monday through Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 8 PM.
South Gate FAQ
Can I still buy a gas leaf blower in California?
Not new — CARB's Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) regulation, adopted under AB 1346 (Cal. Health & Safety Code §43018.11), prohibits the sale of new gas-powered SORE equipment under 25 hp for model year 2024 and later. Used equipment can still be bought and sold, and you can continue using a gas blower you already own.
Does South Gate ban gas leaf blowers outright?
No. South Gate has not adopted a use ban like Los Angeles City's older blower ordinance. The city regulates leaf-blower noise through Chapter 11.34 Noise Control Program — limits depend on the zone, time of day, and measured decibel level.
What time can my gardener start mowing on a Saturday?
Allowed start times are set in Chapter 11.34. South Gate's general code framework follows the residential-zone decibel limits in Chapter 11.34. Confirm the current Saturday and Sunday windows with South Gate Code Enforcement before instructing a crew to start before 8 a.m.
Compare other topics
See how Santa Monica and South Gate compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool