Gas Leaf Blowers Allowed For Storm Cleanup In Greenwich, Camillo Says

GREENWICH, CT — While the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers is restricted during the summer in Greenwich, residents and landscapers may use them for storm cleanup, First Selectman Fred Camillo said in his recent weekly community newsletter.

In the ordinance, Section 6B-8 (e) notes that, "Noise generated by snow-removal equipment or by leaf blowers for storm condition clean-up operations" are exempt from the restrictions.

Currently, per the ordinance:

• Gasoline-powered leaf blowers in residential zones are prohibited from 6 p.m. the Friday before Memorial Day through Sept. 30, except for properties of 2-plus acres where the prohibition ends the day after Labor Day, which is Sept. 3.
• Any leaf blower may not be used between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and between 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
• Commercial use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers on premises in residential zones is prohibited on Sundays.
• Commercial and/or residential parcels of a quarter-acre or less may only be serviced by one leaf blower at any given time.
• Electric leaf blowers are permitted year-round.

There will be no penalties or punishment for violations this summer to allow time for education on the ordinance.

Camillo asked residents to comply with the rules and to use courtesy when dealing with neighbors and local landscapers.