Howell, NJ Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Howell Township Code § 211-8A(6) is the blower rule. It sits in Article III, Noise as Nuisance, adopted 9-16-2025 by Ord. No. 25-35. It bars operating landscape machinery, including any noise-creating blower or power fan or any internal-combustion engine whose operation causes noise from the explosion of operating gases or fluids, unless the noise from the blower or fan is adequately muffled and the engine has a muffler device sufficient to deaden the noise. In no event can the equipment run except between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday or any state or federal holiday.

Chapter 208 adds hours by who is operating the equipment. Under § 208-9A, a residential property owner or tenant cannot operate power tools, home maintenance tools or landscaping and yard maintenance equipment between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. unless the activity can meet the limits in Tables I, II or III. Under § 208-9B, nonresidential operators, such as commercial operators and public employees, cannot run landscaping or yard maintenance equipment on residential, commercial, industrial or public property (golf courses, parks and athletic fields included) between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, or between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends or federal holidays. Both subsections require a muffler or sound reduction device on all motorized equipment, and emergency work is excluded.

The Table I outdoor limits that apply outside those hours are 65 dB from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for a residential receiving property. Section 211-8A(6) is the provision that names blowers and power fans. Exceptions in § 211-9 cover municipality-sponsored or approved events, and emergency vehicles, garbage trucks and snow and ice removal. Section 208-9D separately requires motorized snow removal equipment to run with a muffler or sound reduction device.