Takoma Park has among the strictest leaf blower rules in the DC metro. The city noise ordinance (Ch. 14.12, Sec. 8) caps all leaf blowers at 70 dBA at 50 feet, bans nighttime use entirely, and limits daytime use to 2 hours per property per 24-hour period. Additionally, Montgomery County banned all gas-powered leaf blowers effective July 1, 2025, with $500 fines.
Takoma Park enforces a layered set of leaf blower restrictions under both its own noise code and Montgomery County law. Under Takoma Park Chapter 14.12, Section 8, no person may sell, buy, offer for sale, or use a leaf blower exceeding 70 dBA at a distance of 50 feet at any time. Leaf blower use is prohibited entirely during nighttime hours (8 PM to 7 AM weekdays, 10 PM to 9 AM weekends/holidays). During daytime, use is limited to 2 accumulated hours per 24-hour period per property. On top of these city restrictions, Montgomery County enacted a ban on all gas-powered handheld, backpack, and walk-behind leaf removal equipment effective July 1, 2025. Sales of gas-powered leaf blowers were banned starting July 1, 2024. Violations of the county ban carry a $500 citation. The county ban applies to private property, commercial property, and local government operations, though Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery Parks (state-managed) are exempt. The county offers rebates on electric leaf blower purchases to help residents and businesses comply. Takoma Park was an early advocate for leaf blower restrictions, reflecting the city's progressive environmental stance. Only electric leaf blowers meeting the 70 dBA threshold are now permitted within city limits during allowed hours.
City violation: up to $200 first offense, $400 repeat within one year. County gas blower violation: $500 citation per incident.
Takoma Park, MD
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