Arlington Heights, IL Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Covered areas
- Residential and noise-sensitive areas
- Exempt equipment
- Snow blowers, sweepers, golf-course landscaping
- First offense fine
- $25 to $40
- Second offense fine
- $500 to $750 + hearing
Summary
Arlington Heights, Illinois bars operating a noise-creating blower, power fan, or other internal combustion engine in residential or noise-sensitive areas between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Village Code Section 8-1605(j), if the noise carries across the property line. Snow blowers and golf-course landscaping equipment are exempt.
In residential or noise sensitive areas, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, the operation of any noise-creating blower, power fan, or any internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases, fuels, or fluids, provided that the noise can be heard across the property line of the property from which it emanates, but not including snow blowers, other snow removal machinery, parking lot sweepers, street sweepers, or landscaping operations conducted on golf courses.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 3 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 8-1605(j), part of Chapter 8's Article XVI (Noise Regulations) adopted by Ordinance No. the following day, provided the noise can be heard across the property line of the property where it originates. 'Noise-sensitive area' is defined in Section 8-1603(d) as land occupied by a school, hospital, nursing home, church, court, public library, or similar institution, plus the area within 250 feet of it. , fall outside this specific per se violation, though the noise can still be cited under the Article's general prohibition in Section 8-1604 if it unreasonably disturbs a reasonable person.
The Article's stated purpose, per Section 8-1601, is to reduce and prevent unreasonably loud or raucous sounds that disturb the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of residents.
Violations & Fines
A first blower-noise violation within a 12-month period draws a fine of $25.00 to $40.00 under Section 8-1607; a second violation in that same 12-month period jumps to $500.00 to $750.00 and requires a mandatory appearance at an administrative hearing. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can I use a leaf blower in Arlington Heights?
Are snow blowers covered by the leaf blower noise rule?
What's the fine for running a leaf blower after hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington Heights
How Arlington Heights compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Arlington Heights to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
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