Framingham, MA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Section 332-4C(8) of the Framingham City Code names "the use of homeowner's light residential outdoor equipment such as but not limited to lawn mowers and leaf blowers" as a prohibited nuisance noise during nighttime hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Section 332-3 defines that equipment broadly as engine- or motor-powered garden or maintenance tools meant for repetitive residential use, capable of being operated by a homeowner, and lists lawn mowers, garden tools, power tools, riding tractors, snow blowers and snowplows as examples, so both gas and electric leaf blowers fall under the curfew.

The City sets no separate daytime decibel cap or blackout days for leaf blowers; the only citywide restriction is the nighttime window in Section 332-4C. Enforcement follows Section 332-8: a Framingham police officer must personally hear the equipment and rule out extenuating circumstances, such as the necessity of the work continuing, before writing a citation. Complaints go through Section 332-11 to the Framingham Police Department, which investigates and documents its findings in a written report. Snow blowers and snowplows are separately exempted from all noise limits during or immediately after snowfall under Section 332-10G, distinguishing them from the leaf-blower and lawn-mower restriction, which applies only at night, year-round, regardless of season.