Saint Paul, MN Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Section 293.01(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. Section 293.06 then sets the actual curfew: no person may operate a domestic power tool between 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." 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.

The Saint Paul Police Department has primary enforcement responsibility for sections 293.02 through 293.08 under section 293.08(b)(2). Outside the 10 p.m.-7 a.m. window, domestic power tools are affirmatively exempted from the chapter's numeric noise-source limits under section 293.07(d)(4), so daytime leaf-blowing is not capped by decibel level, only by the general nuisance-noise prohibition in section 293.02. A violation of any section of chapter 293 is a misdemeanor carrying up to ninety days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense under section 293.02(f)(1).