Plainfield, NJ Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Chapter 9, Article 22 of the Plainfield Municipal Code, titled Registration of Commercial Landscaping, regulates leaf blowers through equipment standards and registration rather than hours. Section 9:22-1 defines a leaf blower machine as a gas-powered device used for the blowing of leaves and grass in lawn maintenance work. Section 9:22-2 then says that, to control harmful emissions, only leaf blower machines that meet the latest Federal EPA Standards for Small Spark Ignition Handheld Engines are permitted. Article 22 prints no quiet hours or daily time window.

Commercial lawn maintenance businesses register with the City Clerk by February 1 of each year (§ 9:22-3). Landscapers registered with the State of New Jersey under the Contractors' Registration Act instead provide a copy of their State registration to the City Public Works Department on or before March 1. Registration lists the business owner or owners, address, telephone number, license plate of each truck, and the type, make and manufacturer of the leaf blowers, with the manufacturer's information on the EPA handheld engine. The fee is $50 per business and $10 per truck used to haul leaves. Each registered truck gets a City sticker, posted on the front driver's side panel.

Section 9:22-4 lets the City Clerk, in consultation with the Director of Public Works and Urban Development, modify the restrictions on leaf blowers or leaf collection in a weather emergency or other emergent circumstances. Under § 9:22-5, the City Police Division, Building Department, Health Department, Public Works Department or another City employee designated by the City Administrator enforces the article.