San Diego County, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Local leaf-blower ordinance
- None - falls under general noise rules
- Routine-maintenance window
- 7 a.m.-8 p.m. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday), Sec. 36.417(b)(1)
- General limit applies
- Sec. 36.404 sound limits + Sec. 36.414 nuisance rule
- State sales ban
- CA AB 1346 / HSC Sec. 43018.11; CARB SORE rule, model year 2024+
- Use of existing equipment
- Still legal statewide
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Leaf blowers fall under the County's general sound-level limits (Sec. 36.404) and the routine-maintenance exemption (Sec. 36.417(b)(1)). Statewide, California AB 1346 and the CARB Small Off-Road Engine rule ban the SALE of new gas-powered blowers from model year 2024, but using existing equipment is still legal.
SEC. 2. Section 43018.11 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible, whichever is later. (2) In determining technological feasibility pursuant to paragraph (1), the state board shall consider all of the following: (A) Emissions from small off-road engines in the state. (B) Expected timelines for zero-emission small off-road equipment development.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The County's Noise Abatement and Control ordinance (Chapter 4) does not name leaf blowers or set any blower-specific day or hour rule. , 50 dBA day / 45 dBA night in standard residential zones). on Sunday - which is the practical window for residential leaf-blower use. 414 still applies regardless of the exemption. 11, directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to prohibit emissions from new small off-road engines (SORE, generally under 25 horsepower). CARB's regulation applies to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, effectively ending sales of new gas-powered leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers in California. CARB-compliant equipment already owned may still be operated and resold; the rule is enforced against manufacturers/dealers, not homeowners.
Violations & Fines
There is no County leaf-blower fine schedule. A leaf blower run outside the routine-maintenance window (before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., or before 10 a.m. on Sunday) loses the Section 36.417(b)(1) exemption and can be cited under Section 36.404, and at any time can be a 'disturbing, excessive or offensive noise' under Section 36.414, abatable as a public nuisance (Sec. 36.419). The state SORE sales ban is enforced by CARB at the manufacturer/dealer level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gas leaf blowers banned in unincorporated San Diego County?
When can I run a leaf blower at my home?
Is there a decibel limit for leaf blowers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
How San Diego County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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