Lower Merion, PA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Article III of Chapter 92, adopted November 19, 2025 by Ord. No. 4322 and amended June 17, 2026 by Ord. No. 4337, phases in a Township-wide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, defined in § 92-5 as any device powered by an internal combustion or rotary engine using gasoline or other hydrocarbon fuel that produces air current to move leaves, dust, dirt, clippings, trimmings, refuse or debris. Section 92-6 sets the schedule: from June 1, 2026 onward, gas-powered blowers are prohibited each year from June 1 to October 1 (summer) and January 1 to April 1 (winter), applying to every resident, commercial landscaper, contractor and property maintenance worker on every property in the Township; starting January 1, 2028 the prohibited window expands to January 1 through October 1 each year; and beginning January 1, 2029 gas-powered blowers are banned the entire year.

Electric-powered leaf blowers remain permitted year-round under § 92-6D. Section 92-7 exempts blower use during and for 24 hours after snowfall, wheeled leaf-removal equipment with the engine and blower housing permanently built into the chassis, chemical sprayers used for pest or mosquito control, and towed leaf vacuums that pull leaves into a truck. Section 92-8 separately bars using a portable generator to power or charge electric blowers starting June 1, 2026, and § 92-9 lets the Township Manager suspend the prohibitions during emergencies such as storm debris.

Retailers and resale marketplaces selling gas-powered blowers must post point-of-sale signage about the restrictions under § 92-10. Enforcement under § 92-11 starts with a warning, then a summary-offense fine of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense within twelve months, and $600 for a third or later offense within that period, plus court costs and the Township's attorneys' fees, with each violated section and each day of violation a separate offense.