Pasadena, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Gas Blowers
- Banned
- Noise Limit
- 65 dBA at 50 feet
- Weekday Hours
- 8 AM-6 PM Mon-Fri
- Fines
- $116 first, up to $1,000
Summary
Pasadena bans gas-powered leaf blowers. Electric blowers limited to 65 dBA at 50 ft. Operating hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM, Sat 9 AM-5 PM, no Sundays. Max 15 min/hour on parcels under 1/2 acre, 30 min/hour over 1/2 acre. Fines $116-$1,000.
43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, 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. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible, whichever is later. Regulations of emissions from SORE have not been as stringent as regulations of other engines, and 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
Pasadena has banned gas-powered leaf blowers and restricts electric leaf blowers to a maximum noise level of 65 dBA measured at 50 feet. Only one electric leaf blower may operate on a parcel at a time. Allowed hours are 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. Leaf blower use is prohibited on Sundays at all times. On parcels less than half an acre, operation is limited to 15 minutes per hour. On parcels over half an acre, the limit is 30 minutes per hour. Violations carry escalating fines: $116 first offense, $238 second, $599 third, and $1,000 for fourth and subsequent violations.
Violations & Fines
Fines escalate: $116 first violation, $238 second, $599 third, $1,000 fourth and subsequent. Gas blower use faces the same fine schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gas leaf blowers banned in Pasadena?
Can I use a leaf blower on Sunday in Pasadena?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
How Pasadena compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Pasadena to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Leaf Blower Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle leaf blower rules.