Fairfax County, VA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Unlike Arlington County and the District of Columbia, which have phased out gas-powered leaf blowers, Fairfax County permits them subject to Chapter 108 noise restrictions. Use is limited to 7:00 AM through 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, with no operation permitted on Sundays and federal holidays. The plainly-audible-at-50-feet standard applies during enforcement. Commercial landscaping companies operating in the county must train crews on these hour restrictions; homeowner associations frequently impose stricter limits (often 8 AM start, 7 PM end) through CC&Rs. The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) has studied leaf blower noise and emissions, but as of the current ordinance the county has not adopted a gas-powered ban or electric-only mandate. Battery-powered and corded electric blowers are subject to the same hour restrictions but rarely trigger complaints. Landscape companies operating before 7 AM or on Sundays face Class 3 misdemeanor citations with fines up to $500, plus potential business license consequences after repeat violations. Residents can report violations to Fairfax County Police non-emergency or the Department of Code Compliance.