Stockton, CA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Local leaf-blower ban
- None: regulated under general noise rules
- Allowed hours
- 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (when sound crosses property line)
- Code section
- SMC 8.20.030
- Gas vs. electric
- No local distinction
- State rule
- AB 1346 / CARB SORE rule: no new gas blowers sold after 1/1/2024
Summary
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.
SEC. 2. Section 43018.11 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible, whichever is later. (2) In determining technological feasibility pursuant to paragraph (1), the state board shall consider all of the following: (A) Emissions from small off-road engines in the state. (B) Expected timelines for zero-emission small off-road equipment developmen
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gas-powered leaf blowers banned in Stockton?
When can I run a leaf blower in Stockton?
Can my HOA impose stricter hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stockton
How Stockton compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Stockton to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Leaf Blower Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle leaf blower rules.