Cupertino, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Certified blower limit
- 65 dBA or less at 50 feet
- Certification required since
- November 5, 2022
- Standard hours (most areas)
- 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-6pm weekends
- School/golf course hours
- 7am-8pm weekdays, 7am-6pm weekends
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 10.48.070
Summary
Cupertino Municipal Code § 10.48.051 limits motorized landscape equipment, including leaf blowers, to set weekday and weekend hours, and since November 5, 2022 allows only a Certified leaf blower rated at 65 dBA or less. Violations fall under the Chapter 10.48 noise ordinance's misdemeanor penalty.
“Leaf blower” means any portable motorized landscape equipment used to blow leaves, dirt and other debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns or other surfaces. “Leaf blower, Certified” means a leaf blower with a noise level reading of 65 dBA or less measured at a distance of 50 feet by an independent laboratory per American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard B175.2, as certified by the manufacturer, or an electric leaf blower with a noise level measured at 65 dBA or less at a distance of 50 feet, as certified by the manufacturer. ... The use of motorized landscape equipment for landscape maintenance activities shall be limited as follows: Weekdays Weekends and Holidays At public schools, public and private golf courses and public facilities 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. All others 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ... After November 5, 2022, the use of any leaf blower other than a certified leaf blower is prohibited and shall only be used in a manner consistent with subsections A and B.
Full Breakdown
2 or manufacturer-certified for an electric unit. on weekends and holidays. 040 decibel limits, but users must still make reasonable efforts to cut disturbance, for example by installing mufflers, noise baffles, or manufacturer-supplied extension tubes, running equipment only as long as necessary, and positioning it to minimize noise on neighboring property. Since November 5, 2022, Cupertino has gone further and banned any leaf blower that is not a Certified leaf blower, restricting use of even a certified unit to the same weekday and weekend hours.
There is no exception in this section for a resident doing their own yard work with an uncertified gas blower; the certification requirement applies City-wide. 12.
Violations & Fines
Using an uncertified leaf blower, defined as one rated above 65 dBA at 50 feet, or running any motorized landscape equipment outside the permitted hours, is a misdemeanor under Chapter 10.48's Section 10.48.070, punishable under Chapter 1.12 by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use a gas leaf blower in Cupertino?
What hours can I run a leaf blower in Cupertino?
What is the penalty for violating Cupertino's leaf blower rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
How Cupertino compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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How other cities in Santa Clara County handle leaf blower rules.