Scranton, PA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Section 317-7(A)(7)(a) of the City Code is the operative provision: it covers 'any mechanically powered mower, saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, snowblower or similar device used outdoors in residential areas' that causes a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Leaf blowers fall squarely within 'lawn or garden tool.' Unlike Washington, D.C. (D.C. Code Section 8-2253) or several Westchester County, NY towns, Scranton has not banned gas-powered leaf blowers, has not adopted a seasonal restriction, and has not set a blower-only decibel cap. Section 317-7(A)(7)(b) supplies three snowblower-specific carve-outs: a municipal snow emergency declared by the city; a Governor or state emergency-agency declaration; an accumulation of one inch or more forecast by the National Weather Service; or a personal emergency or need to reach a place of employment. The general Section 317-8 receiving-district caps still sit on top of the equipment rule - 69 dB(A) daytime residential, 64 dB(A) nighttime residential, both at 10 feet inside the receiving lot - which a typical gas backpack blower (70-80 dB(A) at 50 feet) can exceed at close range. The Bureau of Police enforces, and Section 317-10(A) allows an abatement order with up to 30 days to comply as an alternative to immediate citation where the violator acts in good faith. Construction equipment is reached separately under Section 317-7(A)(13).