Santa Cruz, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- §6.110.030
- Effective
- Ord. 2024-10
- Responsible Party
- Property owner
Summary
Santa Cruz Code §6.110.030 prohibits property owners from authorizing the operation of any gas-powered leaf blower at any time for any purpose, citywide.
It is prohibited for any property owner to authorize the operation of a gas-powered leaf blower at any time for any purpose on the property they own. The property owner shall be the party responsible for any violations of this chapter that occur on their property.
Full Breakdown
Adopted by Ord. 2024-10, the ban makes the property owner responsible for any violation that occurs on their property, including work performed by hired landscapers. Owners must also avoid blowing dirt, leaves, grass clippings, or debris into streets, sidewalks, gutters, or storm drains. Electric leaf blowers remain allowed but cannot be operated during the §9.36.010 noise curfew. Limited enforcement-only exemptions exist for narrowly defined uses.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by code-enforcement officers under Chapter 6.110 and Ch. 4.04. Property owners face administrative fines and abatement orders for each violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric blowers allowed?
Is my landscaper or me cited?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
How Santa Cruz compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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