Novi, MI Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

The exemption in § 22-96(d)(1) is the only mention leaf blowers and similar yard equipment get in the Novi Code: rather than setting a separate leaf-blower rule, the city folds them into the broader noise chapter's exceptions list. "Sound" is defined broadly in subsection (a) to include any sound, noise, music or voice generated electronically, by a person, or by any acoustic instrument or device, so a gas or electric leaf blower falls squarely within the general "noise disturbance" prohibition in subsection (b) unless it fits an exception.

The (d)(1) exception covers "motorized lawn mowers, and other lawn, landscaping, and yard maintenance equipment or domestic power tools," which reaches leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and similar gear, but only when used between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Outside that fourteen-hour window, running such equipment so that it creates a noise disturbance, meaning it disturbs a reasonable person or is plainly audible 100 feet or more from the property line, exposes the operator to the general noise-disturbance ban in § 22-96(b). Because § 22-96 sets no equipment-specific penalty, the citywide default in § 1-11 governs any violation: a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.