San Rafael, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential weekdays
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Residential weekends/holidays
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Non-residential weekdays
- 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Non-residential weekends
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summary
San Rafael limits leaf blower operation to set daily hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on residential weekdays, narrower weekend hours, and slightly longer windows for non-residential property, under a 2022 ordinance.
it shall be unlawful for any person to operate or authorize, permit, or direct another who engages in the operation of any leaf blower within city limits except during the following hours:
Property type Monday to Friday Weekends and Holidays Residential 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Non-residential 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This chapter does not supersede, alter or in any way affect the noise levels of current city noise ordinances.
(Ord. No. 2014, § 2, 8-1-2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC § 8.40.030, effective October 1, 2022, makes it unlawful to operate any leaf blower within city limits outside specified hours. Residential properties may use leaf blowers 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays; non-residential properties get a wider window of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. "Holidays" carries the same meaning as in the city's general noise ordinance, Chapter 8.13. The chapter states it does not alter or supersede the city's separate noise ordinance limits.
Violations & Fines
Operating a leaf blower outside permitted hours violates § 8.40.030, declared a public nuisance under § 8.40.060 and enforceable via city attorney abatement action or citation under Code Chapters 1.40, 1.42, 1.44, 1.46.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can I use a leaf blower in San Rafael?
Are commercial properties allowed different hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
How San Rafael compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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