Cupertino, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Section 10.48.010 defines a leaf blower as any portable motorized landscape equipment used to blow leaves, dirt or debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns or other surfaces, and separately defines a Certified leaf blower as one measured at 65 dBA or less at 50 feet, either independently lab-tested to ANSI standard B175.2 or manufacturer-certified for an electric unit. Section 10.48.051 limits when motorized landscape equipment, including leaf blowers, lawn mowers, edgers and chainsaws, can run: at public schools, public and private golf courses, and public facilities, use is allowed 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays; everywhere else, use is allowed 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Equipment run within those hours is exempt from the Section 10.48.040 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.

A violation of Chapter 10.48, including the leaf blower rules, is a misdemeanor under Section 10.48.070, enforced under the general penalty provisions of Chapter 1.12.