Santa Clara, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Weekday Hours
- 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Weekend Hours
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Noise Rating Limit
- 65 dBA at 50 feet
- State Law
- CA AB 1346 gas SORE sales ban
- Air Quality Authority
- BAAQMD Regulation 5
Summary
Santa Clara restricts leaf blower operation to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekends, with gas-powered models phased out under California AB 1346 (SORE regulation) effective 2024.
(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. ... Currently, there are zero-emission equivalents to all SORE equipment regulated by the State Air Resources Board. The battery technology required for commercial-grade zero-emission equipment is available and many users, both commercial and residential, have already begun to transition to zero-emission equipment.
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara follows California Assembly Bill 1346 (signed 2021, effective 2024), which bans the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (SORE) including leaf blowers and lawn mowers under 25 horsepower. Existing equipment remains legal to use, but retail sales of new gas units are prohibited statewide. Locally, Santa Clara City Code Chapter 9.10 limits leaf blower operation to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. Leaf blowers operated commercially must be labeled at 65 dBA or less measured at 50 feet per California standard. Landscaping contractors working in residential neighborhoods must use equipment meeting these specifications. Electric and battery-powered blowers are encouraged and may be subject to less restrictive time limits. Violations carry administrative fines of 100 to 500 dollars. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) also enforces broader air quality rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gas leaf blowers banned in Santa Clara?
Can my landscaper use a blower at 7 AM?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
How Santa Clara compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Leaf Blower Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle leaf blower rules.