Summertime Restrictions On Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Go Into Effect In Greenwich On May 23

GREENWICH, CT — Summertime restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers in residential zones will go into effect in Greenwich on Friday, May 23, at 6 p.m.

Residential properties of more than two acres can use gas-powered leaf blowers again after Labor Day in September, but the restrictions will be in place for the rest of the town until Sept. 30.

Last year was an educational period so residents could get used to the new leaf blower ordinance; no fines were issued. This year, however, a first violation will result in a warning, and a second violation will come with a $100 fine. Any subsequent violation will result in a $250 fine.

According to the ordinance, 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 one-quarter acre or less may only be serviced by one leaf blower at any given time.

Electric leaf blowers are permitted year-round.

"I continue to urge everyone to have some patience as these restrictions go into place for the second year," First Selectman Fred Camillo said in his weekly newsletter Friday. "I have heard from several local landscapers who are a little behind because of all the wet weather we have been enduring so please keep that in mind in the days ahead as we have sunnier weather. The landscapers will be caught up in a few days so please have some patience and courtesy."

Camillo said educational fliers are available for residents to give to landscapers by going online here and clicking the "conservation" option.

Those who see violations while restrictions are in place can call 203-622-8006.

More information on the town's noise and leaf blower ordinance can be found here.