Ann Arbor, MI Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Summer ban
- June 1-Sept 30, gas blowers prohibited
- Full citywide ban
- Begins January 1, 2028
- First offense fine
- $100.00 minimum plus costs
- Repeat offense fine
- $250.00 minimum plus costs
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 23-35, Dec. 18, 2023
Summary
Ann Arbor bans gas-powered leaf blowers citywide every summer, June 1 to September 30, and phases them out completely starting January 1, 2028 under Chapter 75 of the city code.
(1)Summer ban. The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited in the city from June 1 to September 30. Electric leaf blowers may be used during this time.(2)Seasonal use and phase-out. The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is permitted from October 1 to May 30 through the year 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028 the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited at all times in the city. (Ord. No. 23-35, § 1, 12-18-23)
6:703. - No waste off-property. It is prohibited to blow, sweep, or place debris, trash, leaves, plant clippings, or yard waste into a neighboring property, or any street, sidewalk, drain, or public right-of-way.
(Ord. No. 23-35, § 1, 12-18-23; Ord. No. 24-18, § 1, 9-16-24)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 24-18, § 1, adopted September 16, 2024, amended the title of § 6:703 to read as herein set out. The former § 6:703 title pertained to regulation of leaf blowers generally.
6:704. - Exceptions.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Ann Arbor's Chapter 75 ordinance splits leaf blower rules by season. Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned outright each summer, June 1 through September 30, when only electric models are allowed. From October 1 through May 30, gas blowers stay legal through 2027, but Chapter 75 permanently prohibits them citywide starting January 1, 2028. Emergency cleanup, storm damage, prescribed ecological burns, and street or sidewalk construction are exempted year-round, and turbine blowers may still run on golf courses and playing fields. Violators face a $100 civil fine for a first offense and $250 for repeat violations, chargeable to the operator or the employer who directs the work.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction: $100 fine minimum for a first offense, $250 minimum for repeat violations, plus costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use a gas leaf blower in Ann Arbor in the fall?
What's exempt from Ann Arbor's leaf blower ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
How Ann Arbor compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Ann Arbor to another location·View the Michigan noise ordinances overview
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