Lakewood, WA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC 8.36.010(B)(9)
- Weekday hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Weekend hours
- 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Covers
- Lawnmowers, powered hand tools, snow equipment, composters
- First penalty
- Up to $250.00 civil penalty
- Repeat penalty
- Up to $500.00 within 2 years
Summary
Lakewood, Washington restricts noise from lawnmowers, powered hand tools like leaf blowers, snow removal equipment and composters to before 10:00 p.m. and after 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and before 10:00 p.m. and after 9:00 a.m. on weekends, under LMC 8.36.010(B)(9). A violation carries a civil penalty up to $250.00, or $500.00 for a repeat within two years.
9. Sounds originating from residential property relating to temporary projects for the maintenance or repair of homes, grounds and appurtenances, including but not limited to sounds from lawnmowers, powered hand tools, snow removal equipment and composters between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends. ... D. Penalty. ... Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250.00; provided, that the penalty for a second or subsequent violation within a two-year period shall be a civil penalty of up to $500.00.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
on weekends. The code does not name leaf blowers specifically, but a gas or electric leaf blower falls squarely within 'powered hand tools' used for yard maintenance, so the same weekday and weekend curfews apply to it. 010(A), Lakewood's general ban on any 'person in possession of property' allowing a public disturbance noise to originate there, meaning a homeowner can be responsible even if a landscaping crew, not the owner, is running the equipment. on a Saturday, is enforceable exactly like an early lawnmower or a late-night chainsaw. 010(C) cover only City-permitted community events and lawful fireworks.
Violations & Fines
Running yard equipment outside the permitted hours under LMC 8.36.010(B)(9) is a civil penalty violation of up to $250.00 under LMC 8.36.010(D), rising to up to $500.00 for a second or subsequent violation within a two-year period. Because the property possessor, not just the equipment operator, is liable under LMC 8.36.010(A), a homeowner can be cited for a landscaping crew's early-morning leaf blower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can I use a leaf blower in Lakewood, WA?
Does the leaf blower curfew apply to landscaping companies too?
Is there a separate rule just for leaf blowers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.