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.
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara protects designated heritage and street trees. Routine trimming on private trees is allowed, but major work on protected trees requires a permit ...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara restricts leaf blower operation to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekends, with gas-powered models phased out under Californ...
See how Santa Clara's gas leaf blower ban rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.