Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Washoe County

Washoe County, NV Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Leaf-blower ban
None countywide
Governing rule
Development Code Art. 414 Ldn
Residential limit
65 Ldn at property line
Night penalty
+10 dB, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Report to
Washoe311, 775-328-2003

Summary

Washoe County has no dedicated leaf-blower ordinance for unincorporated areas. Gas leaf blowers are treated like any other noise source and must not push day-night average sound (Ldn) above the Development Code's property-line limits, with a 10 dB penalty for nighttime use (10 p.m.-7 a.m.).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Washoe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Residential Abutment. For property abutting areas developed residentially, or shown as residential on the area plan maps: sixty-five (65) Ldn at the property line.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Neither the Washoe County Code nor the Development Code sets a leaf-blower-specific time, decibel or ban rule for unincorporated Washoe County; the county regulates yard-equipment noise through Article 414's general property-line Ldn standards. Residential-abutting property may not exceed 65 Ldn at the property line, and any noise made between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. carries a 10 dB penalty when computing Ldn. Article 414 also exempts "motor vehicles and other noise-generating equipment not under the control of the property," so enforcement focuses on stationary/property-controlled sources. Cities of Reno and Sparks may adopt their own equipment-noise rules that do not bind unincorporated county residents.

Violations & Fines

Equipment noise exceeding the Article 414 Ldn limits is a Development Code violation handled by code enforcement; no leaf-blower-specific fine exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gas leaf blowers banned in Washoe County?
No. The county has no leaf-blower ban or time rule; blower noise just has to stay within Article 414's property-line day-night sound-level limits.
What is the residential noise limit?
For property abutting residential areas the limit is 65 Ldn at the property line, measured as a 24-hour day-night average with a nighttime penalty.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washoe County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Washoe County rules

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

Get notified when Leaf Blower Rules in Washoe County, NV 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 Washoe County

Reno, NV