Boulder County, CO Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed hours
- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Power threshold
- 5 horsepower or less
- Authority
- Ordinance 92-28, Sec 1.01.060(L)
- Gas-blower ban
- None at county level
- Scope
- Unincorporated county
Summary
Unincorporated Boulder County exempts leaf blowers, lawnmowers, snowblowers, and other hand or power tools of 5 horsepower or less from noise limits when used between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Outside those hours, general noise limits apply.
The sound made by a lawnmower, snowblower, or other hand or power tool of no more than five horsepower, between the hours of 7 a.m and 10 p.m.
Full Breakdown
Ordinance No. 92-28, Section 1.01.060(L) exempts "the sound made by a lawnmower, snowblower, or other hand or power tool of no more than five horsepower, between the hours of 7 a.m and 10 p.m." A gas or electric leaf blower under 5 hp is covered, so ordinary yard work in that daytime window is allowed even if loud. Used before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m., a leaf blower falls back under the 55/50 dB(A) residential caps. The county has no separate ban on gas leaf blowers; some Front Range cities are phasing them out, so check your city if incorporated.
Violations & Fines
Use outside the 7 a.m.-10 p.m. window that exceeds residential dB limits is a Class 2 Petty Offense: $30 per violation up to $300 for repeats within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I use a leaf blower in unincorporated Boulder County?
Are gas leaf blowers banned in Boulder County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
How Boulder County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview
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