Santa Barbara County, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

There is a common misconception that Santa Barbara has banned gas-powered leaf blowers countywide. In fact, the prohibition is a City of Santa Barbara ordinance adopted in 1997 (City Municipal Code), and it does not extend to the unincorporated areas governed by the County. According to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, the county does not have authority over or plans to regulate this type of equipment, and unincorporated communities such as Orcutt, Montecito, the Eastern Goleta Valley, Isla Vista and Mission Canyon do not currently have a gas-powered leaf-blower ban in the County Code. As a result, leaf blowers are generally allowed in unincorporated Santa Barbara County. The only County limit that touches landscaping noise is the nighttime restriction in Chapter 40 (Nighttime Noise Restrictions), and even that chapter is centered on loud amplified noise broadcast outdoors rather than gardening equipment; running noisy equipment late at night could still draw a nuisance complaint. Statewide, newer gas-powered leaf blowers sold in California must meet zero-emission small off-road engine rules, but that is an air-quality sales restriction, not a local use ban. Residents should confirm their specific community's status, since some incorporated cities in the county do restrict leaf blowers.