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San Francisco, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Local ban
Health Code Article 29
State sales ban
AB 1346 (2024)
Allowed alternative
Electric/battery only
Complaint route
311

Summary

San Francisco bans the sale and use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers under Health Code Article 29 and aligns with California AB 1346, which phased out small off-road gasoline engines beginning in 2024.

SEC. 2. Section 43018.11 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible, whichever is later. (2) In determining technological feasibility pursuant to paragraph (1), the state board shall consider all of the following: (A) Emissions from small off-road engines in the state. (B) Expected timelines for zero-emission small off-road equipment development.

Source: SF Department of the EnvironmentView official code

Full Breakdown

SF Health Code Article 29 prohibits operation of gasoline-powered leaf blowers within city limits, and California AB 1346 prohibits new sales of small off-road engines (including gas leaf blowers and lawn mowers) starting January 2024. Landscapers must use electric or battery-powered equipment, and SF offers exchange rebates through the Department of the Environment. Enforcement falls to DPH and SF Environment, with complaints accepted via 311. The ban is partly motivated by the disproportionate emissions of two-stroke engines and noise impacts in dense neighborhoods.

Violations & Fines

Use of a gas leaf blower triggers fines starting at $100 for individuals and $500 for commercial operators, escalating to $1,000 per occurrence for repeat offenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my old gas blower at home?
No. Use is banned regardless of when the blower was purchased; only electric or battery models are allowed in San Francisco.
Are there rebates for switching?
Yes. SF Environment runs equipment exchange events for landscapers and small businesses; check sf.gov for current funding rounds.

Sources & Official References

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All San Francisco rules

How San Francisco compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview

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