San Clemente bans gas-powered leaf blowers under SCMC Chapter 8.50 (the Leaf Blower Ordinance, effective Nov. 4, 2022). Only electric leaf blowers rated at or below 65 dB(A) are permitted, and only during defined daytime hours.
Chapter 8.50 (Ord. No. 1716, 2021) prohibits gas leaf blowers citywide, with a narrow exception for City contractors under contracts existing September 7, 2021. Permitted electric blowers must be ANSI category 1 rated at a maximum 65 dB(A) measured 50 feet from the source (ANSI B175.2) and must use manufacturer mufflers and full-extension blower tubes (§8.50.060). Operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and City-recognized holidays; outside those hours the Chapter 8.48 noise limits apply. Blowers may not push debris onto neighboring property, streets, gutters or storm drains. Commercial operators must mark blowers with their business name, address, phone and City business-license number (§8.50.070).
Using a gas blower, an over-65 dB(A) unit, or operating outside permitted hours violates Chapter 8.50, enforceable under SCMC §1.16.010 (misdemeanor up to $1,000/six months, or infraction $100/$200/$500) plus administrative fines, each day a separate offense.
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