Peoria, IL Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Sec. 15-69's plain text expressly names 'blowers' as the first category of restricted equipment, reflecting the City's concern with morning landscape operations at commercial properties. The 50-foot audibility test is enforced by Peoria Police; complaints often arise from morning lawn-care contractors operating before 6:00 a.m. on residential streets adjacent to apartment buildings or near schools (which also enjoy added protection under Sec. 15-71 for adjacent street noise during school sessions). Commercial parking-lot sweeping (which often relies on blowers) is expressly exempt at all hours in the central business district, commercial districts, office districts, and industrial districts. Illinois has not enacted statewide leaf-blower preemption, and Peoria as a home rule city retains full authority to add restrictions; no ban is currently on the books. Residents should also note: (a) the Illinois Environmental Protection Act 415 ILCS 5 regulates two-stroke engine emissions through statewide motor fuel and emissions rules, but not local use; (b) Peoria's solid-waste hauler GFL handles street-side yard waste collection separately, so blowing leaves into the street is not an authorized disposal method and may trigger Sec. 13-60 (Litter) liability if leaves are pushed onto neighboring property or the public right-of-way.