San Francisco restricts gas-powered leaf blowers under Police Code Article 29 and state AB 1346, which bans the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines statewide. SF Public Works and contractors have transitioned to electric blowers, and noise from any blower must comply with the SF Noise Ordinance decibel limits.
San Francisco is among the strictest California cities on leaf blower use. Under California AB 1346, the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (SORE), including most leaf blowers, became prohibited effective July 2024, accelerating a transition already underway locally. The San Francisco Noise Ordinance, Police Code Article 29, sets fixed ambient noise limits that apply to any powered equipment including blowers: 55 dBA daytime in residential zones and 60 dBA in commercial zones, measured at the property line. Use of any leaf blower, gas or electric, that exceeds these ambient limits is a violation. Most landscaping crews operating in SF have moved to battery-electric backpack blowers which generally stay under the daytime limit when used properly. Construction hour rules in Police Code Section 2908 also apply: powered equipment is generally limited to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. The Department of Public Health enforces noise complaints via 311, and landscape contractors working on city property must use electric equipment only. Homeowners using a leaf blower in a dense residential neighborhood should expect a neighbor complaint if the device is loud or used early morning or on Sundays.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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