Buffalo, NY Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited hours (residential)
- 9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
- Equipment covered
- Mowers, edgers, trimmers, power-driven hedge shears, and similar lawn devices
- Exemption
- Golf courses
- Applies to
- Residential real property zones
- Penalty
- Up to $1,500 or 15 days imprisonment
Summary
Lawn maintenance equipment, including leaf blowers, mowers, edgers, trimmers, and power hedge shears, may not be operated between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. in residential zones when the noise disturbs a reasonable person. Golf courses are exempt.
§ 293-4.L. The use and operation of any lawn maintenance device, including mowers, edgers, trimmers and power-driven hedge shears, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that causes sound that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities in a residential real property zone. This provision does not apply to the operation such equipment on golf courses.
Full Breakdown
The provision is phrased as a nighttime ban triggered by noise that 'annoys or disturbs a reasonable person', meaning the use must both occur during prohibited hours and produce disturbing sound. During daytime hours (7 a.m.–9 p.m.) lawn maintenance equipment is generally permitted. The restriction covers residential real property zones only; commercial zones are governed by the general unreasonable-noise standard.
Violations & Fines
Up to $1,500 fine or 15 days imprisonment per offense under § 293-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mow my lawn at 8 p.m.?
Does the ban apply to commercial landscaping crews?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
How Buffalo compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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