VIDEO: Never Too Early for a Leaf Blower!

An increasing number of California cities and towns appear to be moving toward ordinances designed to restrict what many residents say is a dramatic and noticeable increase in their local soundscape.

The question of "how loud is too loud?" and "how early is too early?" is landing on more and more council agendas as the urban/suburban noisecape begins to encroach on everyday life and neighbors say enough is enough.

Sebastopol took a dramatic step toward solving their noise issues with a sweeping new ordinance effectively banning any device emitting any noise greater than 55 decibels - and armed patrol officers with meters to document offenders. Hours of operation were also strictly defined. Fines of $500 for a first offense were authorized.

Lamorinda Patch knows this issue has had a polarizing effect on our communities, with neighbors arguing both for and against similar ordinances.  Where do you stand on this issue? Click here and respond to our online poll.