Since January 1, 2023 the City of Alameda has banned gasoline, diesel, and other combustion-engine leaf blowers citywide under Municipal Code Section 24-14.1 (Ordinance No. 3307). Only electric or battery-powered blowers are allowed. Violations are infractions punishable by a fine of up to $250.
Alameda adopted Ordinance No. 3307 (introduced Sept. 21, 2021; effective Jan. 1, 2023), adding Section 24-14 "Leaf Blowers" to Chapter XXIV (Public Health) of the Municipal Code. Section 24-14.1 makes it unlawful to operate any portable machine powered by a gasoline, diesel, or other combustion engine used to blow leaves, dirt, and other debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns, or other surfaces within the City limits. The prohibition reaches property owners, tenants, and persons in control of property who allow such operation, and gardening or landscape-maintenance businesses whose employees or agents use them. Stores that sell such machines must post notice of the prohibition. The City adopted the ban as part of its Climate Action and Resiliency Plan after a 2019 climate-emergency resolution. Electric and battery-powered blowers remain legal, and the City pointed residents to equipment-exchange and voucher programs. Note this is stricter than California's separate statewide rule (AB 1346) phasing out new small off-road engine sales; Alameda bans use of existing gas blowers outright, not just new sales.
Under AMC 24-14.1(e), a violation is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $250, and may also be addressed by administrative citation under Chapter 1-7. Remedies are non-exclusive. The City has stated it will educate first, then cite; the user, an employee, a business, a tenant, or the property owner may be held liable.
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