Pennsylvania has no statewide gas-leaf-blower regulation. Philadelphia restricts blower noise indirectly through Philadelphia Code 10-403 (sound levels) and Code 10-405(2)(g), which prohibits powered yard equipment between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. and at any time on Sundays in residential areas.
Pennsylvania has not regulated gas leaf blowers. Philadelphia takes an hours-and-decibel approach rather than the outright ban adopted by Washington D.C. or Montgomery County, MD. Philadelphia Code 10-403 sets ambient noise limits of 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA at night in residential districts. Philadelphia Code 10-405(2)(g) flatly prohibits operation of powered lawn and garden equipment, including gas leaf blowers, between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. weekdays and Saturdays, and at any hour on Sundays, in or adjacent to residential zones. The Philadelphia Office of Sustainability has discussed a phase-out as part of Greenworks but no city-wide gas-only ban has been enacted.
Operating a gas leaf blower outside permitted hours under Philadelphia Code 10-405 carries fines from 100 to 300 dollars per violation. Exceeding decibel limits under 10-403 brings citations from Air Management Services up to 600 dollars per offense.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Council Resolution 190620 (2019) declared a climate emergency and committed the city to carbon neutrality by 2050. The Office of Sustainability ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's noise code under Phila. Code §10-403 prohibits residential sound exceeding 3 dB above background level beyond the property boundary, or audibl...
See how Philadelphia's gas leaf blower ban rules stack up against other locations.
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