Palo Alto, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Gas blowers
- Banned since 2005
- Allowed type
- Electric or battery only
- Decibel cap
- 65 dB at 50 feet
- Weekday hours
- 8am to 8pm
- Weekend hours
- 9am to 8pm
Summary
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.
AB 1346, Berman. Air pollution: small off-road engines. This bill would require the state board, by July 1, 2022, consistent with federal law, to adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Small off-road engines (SORE), which are used primarily in lawn and garden equipment, emit high levels of air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), reactive organic gases (ROG), and particulate matter (PM). One hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG plus NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a new passenger vehicle.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my landscaper exempt?
Can I buy a gas blower in Palo Alto?
Sources & Official References
- [1]PAMC 9.10.032
- [2]CA AB 1346
Other rules in Palo Alto
How Palo Alto compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Palo Alto to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Leaf Blower Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle leaf blower rules.