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New York, NY Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Admin. Code § 24-242
Enforcing agency
DEP
Weekday hours
8 a.m.–7 p.m. or sunset
Weekend/holiday hours
9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Noise cap
75 dB(A) at receiving property

Summary

New York City limits leaf blowers and other lawn care devices to weekday hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or sunset) and weekend/holiday hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., bars any use hitting 75 dB(A) at a neighbor's property, and requires a functioning muffler. DEP enforces.

(a) No person shall operate or use ... any lawn care device: (1) On weekdays before eight a.m. and after seven p.m. or sunset, whichever occurs later; or (2) On weekends and New York state and federal holidays before nine a.m. and after six p.m.; or (3) At any time in such a way as to create an unreasonable noise. ... (b) No person shall operate or use or cause to be operated or used any leaf blower not equipped with a functioning muffler.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Administrative Code Section 24-242, the Department of Environmental Protection enforces three limits on leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers. You cannot run them on weekdays before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (or sunset, whichever is later), or on weekends and New York State and federal holidays before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. At any hour, an aggregate sound level of 75 dB(A) or more measured at a receiving property is unreasonable noise and is prohibited. Every leaf blower must be equipped with a functioning muffler. DEP cites violations under the Noise Control Code.

Violations & Fines

DEP issues summonses returnable to the OATH Hearings Division. Fines apply per violation and climb for repeat offenders; operating a leaf blower without a functioning muffler is separately actionable.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I use a leaf blower in NYC?
On weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. (or sunset if later), and on weekends and state/federal holidays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Outside those windows it is prohibited.
Do NYC leaf blowers need a muffler?
Yes. Section 24-242(b) bars operating any leaf blower not equipped with a functioning muffler, at any time of day.
What noise level is illegal?
Any lawn care device producing an aggregate 75 dB(A) or more measured at a receiving property is unreasonable noise and prohibited at any hour.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in New York

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All New York rules

How New York compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview

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