Mono County, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Mono County Code Chapter 10.16 does not single out leaf blowers, but it does regulate mechanically powered lawn and garden equipment. Section 10.16.070(B)(11) (Power Tools) makes it unlawful to operate, or permit the operation of, any mechanically powered tools or lawn and garden equipment between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (8:00 a.m. on weekends) so as to create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real property line. Section 10.16.080(A)(8) provides a matching exemption: sound from domestic power tools, lawn mowers and similar equipment is exempt when operated between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays, provided the equipment generates less than 85 dBA at or within any residential real property line. In short, leaf blowers and similar tools are permitted during those daytime windows so long as they stay under 85 dBA at the line; outside those hours, or above that level, they can be cited as a noise disturbance. Snow blowers and snow throwers used with a muffler for snow removal are separately exempt under Section 10.16.080(A)(3), reflecting Eastern Sierra winters. These rules apply only in the unincorporated areas of Mono County.