Utica, NY Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Sec. 2-15-58(6)
- Weekday off-hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Weekend off-hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Limit, 5 hp or less
- 75 db(A) at 50 feet
- Limit, over 5 hp
- 82 db(A) at 50 feet
Summary
Power equipment such as leaf blowers cannot be run outdoors in residential zones between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weekdays (10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. weekends). By day, gear five horsepower or less is capped at 75 db(A) at 50 feet.
Power equipment. It shall be unlawful to operate or permit to be operated any power equipment in residential zones outdoors between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and on weekends between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. During daytime hours, power equipment rated five horsepower or less shall not exceed a sound level of 75 db(A) at a distance of 50 feet.
Full Breakdown
Section 2-15-58(6) makes it unlawful to operate power equipment outdoors in residential zones between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends. During daytime hours, power equipment rated five horsepower or less may not exceed 75 db(A) at 50 feet, and equipment over five horsepower may not exceed 82 db(A) at 50 feet. Domestic power tools, lawn mowers and similar gear used 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. weekdays are separately exempted from the fixed sound-level table under Section 2-15-61(1).
Violations & Fines
A noise-division violation prosecuted under Sec. 2-15-59; ongoing violations abatable as a nuisance under Sec. 2-15-60.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a leaf blower on a weekend morning?
Are homeowner lawn tools exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Utica
How Utica compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Utica to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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