Anti-Noise Win in Sebastopol Heartens Orinda Group

Today, the city of Sebastopol joins dozens of other California cities in enforcement of a comprehensive noise ordinance geared at ending the whine of leaf blowers and other high-decibel equipment within city limits.

"Sebastopol passed a 'no-exceptions' 55 decibel maximum noise ordinance in June," enthused Peter Kendall, co-founder of Quiet Orinda. "Since leaf blowers generate up to 100 plus decibels of noise, this new ordinance effectively bans them!"

The measure goes into effect today.

Kendall said he was told city officials in Sebastopol had equipped their police officers with decibel meters, and that officers will respond to noise complaints by taking noise readings at the property line. Violators can be fined up to $500.

"It's a significant step forward and we join our neighbors in Sebastopol in celebrating their achievement," Kendall said.

Sebastopol passed its "no exceptions" ban by a 4-to-1 vote of its city council.