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New Orleans, LA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Weekday off-hours
10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
Weekend off-hours
10:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.
Small units (<=5 hp)
75 dBA at 50 feet
Larger units (>5 hp)
82 dBA at 50 feet
Code section
Sec. 66-203(6)

Summary

Outdoor power equipment (including leaf blowers) may not run in residential zones between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weekdays (8:00 a.m. weekends); small units are capped at 75 dBA and larger ones at 82 dBA at 50 feet during daytime.

It shall be unlawful to operate or permit to be operated any power equipment in residential zones outdoors between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day, and on weekends between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. During daytime hours ... power equipment rated five horsepower or less shall not exceed a sound level of 75 dBA at a distance of 50 feet. Power equipment rated more than five horsepower shall not exceed a sound level of 82 dBA at a distance of 50 feet.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 116 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 66-203(6) makes it unlawful to operate power equipment outdoors in residential zones between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends. During daytime hours, equipment rated five horsepower or less may not exceed 75 dBA at 50 feet, and equipment over five horsepower may not exceed 82 dBA at 50 feet. Domestic power tools and lawn mowers used 7 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays (8 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends) are otherwise exempt from Table 1 under Sec. 66-138(1).

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor under Sec. 66-140: fine up to the state maximum and/or up to 90 days jail; each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I use a leaf blower in New Orleans?
Not in residential zones between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, or 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekends. Daytime use must stay under the 75/82 dBA limit at 50 feet.
Are lawn mowers exempt?
Domestic power tools and lawn mowers used 7 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays (8 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends) are exempt from Table 1 sound limits under Sec. 66-138(1).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in New Orleans

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All New Orleans rules

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