Saint Paul, MN Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Covered tools
- Saws, drills, lawn/garden tools, mowers, snow equipment
- Audibility test
- Plainly audible at property line or 50 ft.
- Enforcing agency
- Saint Paul Police Department
- Maximum penalty
- 90 days jail and/or $1,000 fine
Summary
Saint Paul bans loud leaf blowers, mowers and other domestic power tools between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The Legislative Code defines domestic power tools to cover any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawn mower or powered snow removal equipment used outdoors.
(6)Domestic power tools. Any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawn mower, or powered snow removal equipment, or other similar device commonly used outdoors, except for the manufacture, commercial repair or prolonged testing of such tools. ... No person shall operate any domestic power tool between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a distinctly and loudly audible manner as to unreasonably disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of any person nearby. Operation of a domestic power tool during those hours in such a manner as to be plainly audible at the property line of a structure or building in which it is located, in the hallway or apartment adjacent, or at a distance of fifty (50) feet if the source is located outside a structure or building, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
01(6) of the Saint Paul Legislative Code defines "domestic power tools" broadly to include any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, lawn mower, or powered snow removal equipment, or other similar device commonly used outdoors -- language that squarely covers gas and electric leaf blowers, string trimmers and mowers. " The section builds in an evidentiary shortcut for enforcement -- if the tool is plainly audible at the property line of the structure where it is located, in an adjacent hallway or apartment, or fifty feet away when the source sits outdoors, that audibility during the curfew hours is treated as prima facie evidence of a violation. 08(b)(2). 02. 02(f)(1).
Violations & Fines
Running a leaf blower, mower, chainsaw or snow-removal machine loudly enough to be heard at the property line, in an adjoining unit, or fifty feet away between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is a misdemeanor: up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, with each day of continued violation charged separately. The Saint Paul Police Department enforces the curfew under section 293.08(b)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a leaf blower before 7 a.m. in Saint Paul?
Is there a decibel limit on daytime leaf blower use?
What counts as proof of a leaf blower violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
How Saint Paul compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Saint Paul to another location·View the Minnesota noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.