St. Louis, MO Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt hours
- 7:00 a.m. to sunset
- Outside those hours
- exemption does not apply
- Governing section
- § 15.51.040(I)
- Fine range
- $100–$500 per violation
- Enforced by
- Health Commissioner
Summary
St. Louis exempts lawn care equipment, including leaf blowers and mowers, from its citywide noise limits only from 7 a.m. to sunset; use outside those hours loses the exemption and must meet the ordinary decibel standards.
To the extent provided in this section the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to: ... I. The operation of lawn care maintenance equipment with sound control devices equivalent to or better than original equipment from 7:00 a.m., prevailing local time to sunset.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 15.51 (Industrial Noise) sets maximum sound levels by zoning district in Table I, enforced by the Health Commissioner. Section 15.51.040's list of exceptions carves out lawn care maintenance equipment fitted with sound control devices equivalent to or better than original equipment, but only "from 7:00 a.m., prevailing local time to sunset." Run a leaf blower, mower, or trimmer before 7 a.m. or after sunset and it no longer qualifies for the exception, so it must meet the underlying Table I decibel limits that apply to the surrounding zoning district, limits ordinary lawn equipment cannot meet, which in practice bars early-morning or nighttime use.
Violations & Fines
Fines of $100 to $500 per offense under § 15.51.090, plus possible imprisonment up to 90 days; each day a violation continues after a Health Commissioner notice is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a leaf blower before 7 a.m. in St. Louis?
Does the exception cover any leaf blower?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
How St. Louis compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri noise ordinances overview
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