Los Angeles County, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- State phase-out
- AB-1346 effective 2024
- Engine threshold
- Under 25 horsepower
- County operating ban
- None countywide currently
- Allowed alternatives
- Battery or corded electric
- Rebate source
- SCAQMD lawn equipment swap
Summary
California AB-1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and other small off-road engines under 25 horsepower starting 2024, applying countywide. LA County does not have a separate countywide blower ban, but several incorporated cities layer their own operating prohibitions.
(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. (C) Increased demand for electricity from added charging requirements for more zero-emission small off-road equipment. (D) Use cases of both commercial and residential lawn and garden users. (E) Expected availability of zero-emission gener[ators]. Small off-road engines (SORE), which are used primarily in lawn and garden equipment, emit high levels of air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), reactive organic gases (ROG), and particulate matter (PM). In 2020, California daily NOx and ROG emissions from SORE were higher than emissions from light-duty passenger cars. SORE emitted an average of 16.8 tons per day of NOx and 125 tons per day of ROG.
Full Breakdown
AB-1346 directed CARB to adopt regulations phasing out new sales of small off-road engines under 25 horsepower, including handheld leaf blowers, mowers, and chainsaws. The CARB rule took effect 2024 for most equipment, blocking new units at retail though existing tools remain legal to use. LA County itself does not impose a countywide operating ban in unincorporated areas, leaving day-to-day enforcement to AQMD and to individual cities. Cities like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles enforce stricter operating bans within their borders. Battery-electric blowers remain legal everywhere, and rebate programs through SCAQMD and LADWP help landscapers swap equipment.
Violations & Fines
Retailers selling banned new gas equipment face CARB civil penalties up to $25,000 per day. City-level operating violations in incorporated cities draw fines from $100 to $500. County-level nuisance enforcement is rare absent a related noise complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landscaper still use gas blowers in unincorporated LA County?
Are there rebates to switch to electric?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
How Los Angeles County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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