Unincorporated San Mateo County has no dedicated gas-powered leaf blower ban or specific leaf-blower ordinance; the recent leaf-blower bans and electric-blower rebate programs are city-level (e.g., City of San Mateo, Atherton, Redwood City). In unincorporated areas, blowers are governed by the general Chapter 4.88 noise standards.
Research of the County Code did not find any County leaf-blower ordinance applicable to unincorporated San Mateo County. The well-publicized leaf-blower regulations in San Mateo County are adopted by individual incorporated cities: the City of San Mateo adopted an ordinance prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers (with a later effective date) and runs an electric-blower rebate, and cities such as Atherton and Redwood City offer rebates for electric leaf blowers. None of these city measures govern the unincorporated communities. In unincorporated areas, leaf-blower noise is instead subject to the County's general framework: the exterior noise standards in Section 4.88.330 and the General Noise Regulation in Section 4.88.350, which prohibit unreasonably loud noise that disturbs the peace. Statewide, California's small off-road engine restrictions (CARB regulations implementing AB 1346) phase out new sales of gas-powered equipment, but that is a state product-sales rule rather than a county use ordinance. Residents seeking a specific leaf-blower restriction should confirm current rules with County Planning.
Because there is no specific county leaf-blower ordinance, complaints are handled under Chapter 4.88's general noise provisions by the Sheriff and County Code Enforcement (650) 363-4825. Excessive blower noise can be cited as an unreasonable noise under 4.88.350.
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