Berkeley bans gasoline-powered leaf blowers citywide for both residents and commercial landscapers, aligned with California AB 1346 phase-out of small off-road gas engines.
BMC Chapter 13.40 prohibits the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers anywhere in Berkeley, regardless of decibel rating or time of day. The ordinance predates and complements California AB 1346, which by 2026 prohibits the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines including blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. Enforcement is handled by Code Enforcement and the Police Department on complaint. Battery-electric blowers remain allowed but are still subject to noise quiet-hours rules. Landscapers must transition fleets and may apply for limited CARB rebates funded through state appropriations.
First offense generally results in a written warning; subsequent violations carry administrative citations starting around $100 and escalating to $500 for repeat commercial operators.
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 1991, making it one of the first US cities to do so, well ahead of California statewide AB 1346 small-engine phas...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley adopted the first US Climate Action Plan in 2009 and declared a climate emergency in 2018, targeting carbon neutrality by 2045 with binding sector b...
See how other cities in Alameda County handle gas leaf blower ban.
See how Berkeley's gas leaf blower ban rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.