Aliso Viejo, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

In the City of Aliso Viejo, Orange County, California, leaf blowers are regulated through the noise chapter, not through a separate equipment ordinance. Section 8.12.030 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code defines a fixed noise source as a stationary device that creates sounds while fixed or motionless, and its list of examples names leaf blowers next to pumps, fans, compressors, generators and air conditioners. That is the only place Chapter 8.12 mentions them. The hours come from § 8.12.070(F), which exempts noise sources associated with the maintenance of real property when the work takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday or a federal holiday, or between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday or a federal holiday.

Yard crews running blowers inside those windows are outside the chapter. Blowers run before 7:00 a.m., after 8:00 p.m., or before 9:00 a.m. on a Sunday or federal holiday lose the exemption, and the exterior standards in § 8.12.050 apply. On residential property at a density of less than 10 DU/acre the standard is 50 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 45 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. At 10 DU/acre or more it is 55 dB(A) and 50 dB(A). Under § 8.12.050(C), noise above the standard for a cumulative period of more than 30 minutes in any hour is unlawful, as is noise five dB(A) over for more than 15 minutes, ten over for more than five minutes, fifteen over for more than one minute, and twenty over for any period of time. The chief of police services, or designee, enforces the chapter under § 8.12.090.