Alameda City Council Passes Ban On Gas Leaf Blowers

Press release from the City of Alameda:

October 18, 2021

The City Council adopted a law banning the use and sale of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in Alameda. The ordinance was unanimously passed on September 21, 2021, and becomes effective on January 1, 2023.

“Gasoline-powered” means all gasoline, diesel, and other combustion engine-powered leaf blowers. The use and sale of other leaf blowers, such as electric and battery-powered, are not banned.

Under the new law, the City may issue citations for violations of the ban. Property owners are equally responsible for compliance with this new law, meaning that a violation for using a gas-powered leaf blower may result in a citation to the equipment operator, landscaping company the operator is employed by, and the property owner. Businesses must stop selling such equipment and post a notice about the ban on their premises, or a citation could be issued.

The City will be educating residents and businesses about this new ban over the coming months. If you use a landscaper, please be sure the company is aware of the new law and will comply when performing work on your property.

This press release was produced by the City of Alameda. The views expressed here are the author’s own.