Leaf blowers in unincorporated Orange County must comply with the general noise standards of OCCO Section 4-6-5 and are subject to California Assembly Bill 1346, which phases out gas-powered small off-road engines. The county does not have a standalone leaf blower ban, but noise limits and state emission rules effectively restrict use.
Unincorporated Orange County does not have a separate leaf blower ordinance. Leaf blower noise is regulated under the general exterior noise standards of OCCO §4-6-5 (55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime at the property line). Under OCCO §4-6-7(e), operation during construction hours (7 AM–8 PM Mon–Sat) may be treated as construction-related activity. California Assembly Bill 1346 (signed 2021) directed CARB to adopt regulations prohibiting the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines, including leaf blowers, by January 1, 2024. CARB adopted these rules effective January 2024, banning the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers statewide. Existing gas-powered units remain legal to use but must comply with local noise ordinances. A 2023 Orange County Grand Jury report highlighted leaf blower noise and pollution hazards across the county.
Noise violations are misdemeanors under OCCO §4-6-15. State CARB regulations impose penalties on retailers selling non-compliant new gas-powered equipment. Complaints in unincorporated areas are handled by the OC Sheriff.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle leaf blower rules.
See how Midway City's leaf blower rules rules stack up against other locations.
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