Manchester, NH Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed hours
- 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
- Domestic equipment limit
- 80 dBA at property line
- Commercial equipment limit
- 88 dBA at property line
- Covered gear
- 5 hp or less, grounds maintenance
- Enforcement
- City Noise Variance Board
Summary
Manchester caps grounds-maintenance equipment like leaf blowers to 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 80 dBA at the property line under the noise code.
Any domestic power equipment operated upon any residential, commercial, industrial or public premises between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. provided that such equipment does not exceed a sound pressure level of 80 dBA when measured at the property line of the receiving premise. ... DOMESTIC POWER EQUIPMENT. Any equipment or device rated at five horsepower or less and used for building repairs or grounds maintenance excluding snow removal equipment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
Manchester doesn't ban leaf blowers by name, but they fall under "domestic power equipment" in the city's noise ordinance: gear rated five horsepower or less used for grounds maintenance. That equipment may run only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and can't exceed 80 dBA measured at the property line of the neighboring premises. Larger commercial-grade blowers over five horsepower fall under the "commercial power equipment" exemption instead, capped at 88 dBA in the same 7 a.m.-10 p.m. window. Run one before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m., or over the decibel cap, and it's a Chapter 94 violation enforced by the city.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Ch. 94 carry a $100 fine (1st offense) up to $250, each day a violation continues counted separately; Noise Variance Board can grant relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a leaf blower before 7 a.m. in Manchester?
Is there a decibel limit on leaf blowers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
How Manchester compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire noise ordinances overview
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