California AB-1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and other small off-road engines under 25 horsepower starting 2024, applying countywide. LA County does not have a separate countywide blower ban, but several incorporated cities layer their own operating prohibitions.
AB-1346 directed CARB to adopt regulations phasing 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. LA County itself does not impose a countywide operating ban in unincorporated areas, leaving day-to-day enforcement to AQMD and to individual cities. Cities like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles enforce stricter operating bans within their borders. Battery-electric blowers remain legal everywhere, and rebate programs through SCAQMD and LADWP help landscapers swap equipment.
Retailers selling banned new gas equipment face CARB civil penalties up to $25,000 per day. City-level operating violations in incorporated cities draw fines from $100 to $500. County-level nuisance enforcement is rare absent a related noise complaint.
Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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...
See how Santa Monica's gas leaf blower ban rules stack up against other locations.
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