Newport Beach a Step Closer to Leaf Blower Ban

In a move to reduce noise, along with airborne dust and other particulates, the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday voted to move forward with a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.

In a 4-3 vote, council members gave preliminary approval to an ordinance that would ban leaf blowers in residential areas. Electric blowers would not be affected by the ordinance, and homeowners associations would be able to opt out of the ban.

Council members Ed Selich, Leslie Daigle and Steve Rosansky cast the dissenting votes.

“This is really a rule and an ordinance that has come to the council because neighborhoods, particularly in Corona del Mar and some other areas of the city, came to us and said, ‘Deal with this issue; give us the tools to deal with it,’  and I think we are doing that with this,” Councilman Keith Curry said during the discussion before the vote.

Selich said he agreed that leaf blowers should be regulated but was in favor of restrictions on noise generated by the blowers rather than an outright ban. Daigle indicated support for Selich's approach.

Councilwoman Nancy Gardner proposed adding electric blowers in the ban, but her motion failed 3-4.

“It’s not just the noise,” she said. “For many people, it’s that it’s kicking up all the dust, pollen, allergens, et cetera.”

Council members still need to give the ordinance final approval at a later meeting. The ordinance would take effect six months after final approval.