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Annapolis, MD Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Effective date
December 30, 2024
Covered equipment
Handheld, backpack, walk-behind combustion blowers/vacuums
Electric blowers
Not restricted by this section
Enforcement
Planning & Zoning Director or Police Chief
Penalty
Fine under City's annual Fines Schedule

Summary

Annapolis has banned gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums citywide since December 30, 2024, making all handheld, backpack, and walk-behind combustion models illegal to use anywhere in the city.

C. Prohibited. The following are prohibited from being used in the City: 1. A combustion engine-powered, handheld, backpack, or walk-behind leaf blower or leaf vacuum as of December 30, 2024; 2. High-frequency sound emitters designed for animal or pet deterrence.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 11.12.020(C)(1), part of the city's noise prohibition chapter, bans any combustion engine-powered handheld, backpack, or walk-behind leaf blower or leaf vacuum outright, with no time-of-day exception: the ban took effect December 30, 2024. Electric leaf blowers aren't covered by this subsection. The Director of Planning and Zoning, the Police Chief, or their designees enforce the noise chapter under § 11.12.120, and repeat violators are cited at the next-highest fine tier under the City's annual Fines Schedule with no required warning notice first.

Violations & Fines

Using or operating a combustion leaf blower anywhere in Annapolis is a municipal infraction under § 11.12.120, fined at the City's annual Fines Schedule rate, with repeat offenses cited at the next-highest tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric leaf blowers banned in Annapolis?
No. Section 11.12.020(C)(1) only bans combustion engine-powered handheld, backpack, and walk-behind leaf blowers and leaf vacuums. Electric and battery-powered models aren't covered by this ban.
When did Annapolis's gas leaf blower ban take effect?
The citywide ban on combustion engine leaf blowers took effect December 30, 2024, per Annapolis City Code § 11.12.020(C)(1), enacted through Ordinance O-28-23.
What's the penalty for using a gas leaf blower in Annapolis?
It's a municipal infraction under § 11.12.120, punishable by a fine set in the City's annual Fines Schedule; repeat violations by the same person or property owner are cited at the next-highest fine tier.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

How Annapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview

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