Modesto, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Weekday allowed hours
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Weekend/holiday start
- 9:00 AM
- Equipment covered
- Backpack blowers, chain saws, mowers
- Max civil penalty
- $2,500 per violation per day
Summary
Modesto bans operation of gas-powered or engine-driven equipment, including backpack leaf blowers, chain saws, and lawn mowers, before 7 AM or after 9 PM on weekdays, and before 9 AM on weekends and state/federal holidays.
43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible, whichever is later. (2) In determining technological feasibility pursuant to paragraph (1), the state board shall consider all of the following: (A) Emissions from small off-road engines in the state. (B) Expected timelines for zero-emission small off-road equipment development.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Modesto Municipal Code §4-9.103(b) declares it a public nuisance to operate tools or equipment powered by internal-combustion engines (explicitly including backpack blowers, chain saws, and lawn mowers) before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and state or federal holidays the prohibition extends from before 9:00 a.m. The ordinance defines 'loud and raucous noise' broadly and authorizes Code Enforcement to cite violators. No city-wide ban on gas-powered blowers exists; use is permitted during allowed hours.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation per day. Repeat or egregious violations may be pursued as a misdemeanor under California Penal Code §415, carrying up to $400 fine or 90 days jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gas-powered leaf blower on a Saturday morning at 8 AM?
Does the ordinance apply to electric leaf blowers too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
How Modesto compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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