Palo Alto banned gas-powered leaf blowers citywide in 2005, pre-dating California AB 1346; only electric and battery blowers are legal and restricted to daytime hours.
Palo Alto Municipal Code section 9.10.032 prohibits the use, sale, and operation of gas-powered leaf blowers anywhere in the city. Palo Alto adopted the ban in 2005, nearly two decades before California AB 1346 required statewide phase-out of small off-road gas engines in 2024. Only electric and battery-powered blowers are allowed and must not exceed 65 decibels measured at 50 feet. Permitted operating hours are 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 8pm on weekends and holidays. Landscapers are responsible for the equipment they bring; violations carry fines up to 500 dollars per occurrence and can result in suspension of a landscaper business license.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
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