Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Snohomish County, WA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Daytime leaf blowers
Allowed (exempt from dB limits)
Nighttime leaf blowers
Public disturbance noise
Night (weekday)
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Covered devices
Blower, saw, drill, grinder, garden tools
Exception
Emergency work

Summary

Snohomish County has no daytime leaf-blower ban, but operating a leaf blower, saw, drill, sander, grinder, fan, garden tool or similar device at night in a rural or residential district is a public disturbance noise under SCC 10.01.040(2)(a), except emergency work.

City-specific rules exist: Everett, and Lynnwood have their own leaf blower rules rules that differ from Snohomish County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Operation within a rural or residential district of any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, blower, fan, garden tool or similar device, except devices engaged in emergency work exempted under section SCC 10.01.050(1)(g).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).

Full Breakdown

SCC 10.01.040(2)(a) lists mechanically powered blowers and garden tools among activities that become public disturbance noises when they occur at night and the noise reaches property in a rural or residential district. Night is 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. weekdays and 10:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m. weekends. During daytime, powered equipment used in temporary or periodic maintenance or repair of residential property is exempt from the quantitative limits under SCC 10.01.050(2)(c), so there is no daytime restriction on ordinary yard work in the unincorporated county.

Violations & Fines

Nighttime use is a public disturbance noise enforced by the Sheriff. Emergency work is exempt under SCC 10.01.050(1)(g).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a leaf blower on weekend mornings?
Yes, after 9:00 a.m. on weekends. Before that, from 10:00 p.m. the prior night, blower use in rural or residential districts is a nighttime public disturbance noise.
Is there a daytime hour limit?
No. Powered equipment for periodic maintenance or repair of residential property is exempt from the decibel limits during daytime hours under SCC 10.01.050(2)(c).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Snohomish County

All Snohomish County rules

How Snohomish County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview

Get notified when Leaf Blower Rules in Snohomish County, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Leaf Blower Rules in Cities Across Snohomish County