Stockton has no dedicated leaf-blower ban, but power gardening equipment is regulated as 'tools and equipment' under SMC 8.20.030 — operation that creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Statewide, California AB 1346 phases out the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines starting in 2024.
Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 (Noise Regulations) does not contain a leaf-blower-specific section, but SMC 8.20.030 (Public Nuisance Noise) applies to all tools, machinery, and equipment used on private property — including leaf blowers, mowers, edgers, and chainsaws — when their operation creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Operating such equipment within the daytime window (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is generally permitted, but the equipment must still comply with the general public-nuisance noise standard and the dB limits in SMC Chapter 16.60 Table 3-7 where applicable. At the state level, California Air Resources Board regulations adopted under AB 1346 (Berman, 2021) prohibit the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (SOREs) — including most leaf blowers — beginning January 1, 2024, but do not prohibit the use of existing equipment. Stockton has not adopted a more restrictive local leaf-blower ordinance.
Operating a leaf blower outside the lawful hours in a manner that disturbs a neighbor can be cited under SMC 8.20.030 with infraction fines of $100 / $200 / $500 per Cal. Gov. Code 36900. State CARB rules apply to sellers and importers, not end users.
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