Boston regulates leaf blowers under the Air Pollution Control Commission noise rules and City Code 16-26. Gas blowers are allowed with daytime hour limits and no citywide ban.
The Boston Air Pollution Control Commission (APCC) sets ambient noise standards for the city, and leaf blower use falls under both City Code Chapter 16 (Neighborhood Services) and the APCC noise regulation. Operators should not use blowers before 7 AM on weekdays, before 9 AM on weekends, or after 8 PM. The city has discussed phasing out gas-powered units in dense residential wards but as of 2026 there is no citywide ban. Commercial landscapers working on city parcels may have contract-based restrictions. Complaints route through Boston 311 (dial 311 or use the BOS:311 app) and are dispatched to Inspectional Services Department (ISD) or Boston Police for enforcement.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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See how Boston's leaf blower rules rules stack up against other locations.
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