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.
AB-1346 directed CARB to phase out new sales of small off-road engines under 25 horsepower, including handheld leaf blowers, mowers, and chainsaws. The CARB rule took effect 2024 for most equipment, blocking new units at retail though existing tools remain legal to use. Santa Clara County does not impose a countywide operating ban in unincorporated areas, leaving day-to-day enforcement to BAAQMD and individual cities. Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park-adjacent stretches, and Los Gatos enforce stricter operating bans within their borders. Battery-electric blowers remain legal everywhere, and rebate programs through BAAQMD's Clean Air Funds help landscapers exchange equipment.
Retailers selling banned new gas equipment face CARB civil penalties up to $25,000 per day. City-level operating violations draw fines from $100 to $500. County-level nuisance enforcement is rare absent a related noise complaint.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Palo Alto's gas leaf blower ban rules stack up against other locations.
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