Montclair Remains Divided On Leaf Blower Law

The first week of Montclair’s fall leaf blower season is over, and as Montclairites face the sound of roaring landscaping equipment, love them or hate them, leaf blowers will be here to stay until Dec. 15.

The debate about leaf blowers – which has been raging since Montclair first placed restrictions on their use in 1994 – continues to this day, as evidenced during Tuesday’s Township Council meeting, when several residents lined up in support of the municipal law that restricts the use of the machines.

While many of the law’s supporters claim that leaf blowers create noise, health hazards and don’t really save enough time to make the drawbacks worthwhile, some landscaping professionals say they’re essential pieces of equipment.

Steve Wood, director of the municipal Community Services Department, told The Montclair Times that the department typically uses leaf blowers to clean the township tennis courts, help clear parks and public areas, and clean up storm debris, among other tasks.

MONTCLAIR’S LAW

According the Montclair Department of Code Enforcement, the operation of leaf blowers in the township is limited to March 1 through June 30, and Oct. 1 through Dec. 15.

The ordinance states that all leaf blowers must have mufflers.

In addition, leaf blowers can only be used during certain times:

On weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except that leafblowers may be used by an occupant or owner of the premises between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays.

On Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except that leafblowers may be used by an occupant or owner of the premises between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

On Sundays and the following holidays, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.: Good Friday and Thanksgiving.

Potential punishments for violators can include a $2,000 fine, imprisonment in the county/municipal jail for a term not exceeding 90 days, or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days.

However, township authorities have the power to suspend the law for emergency situations, such as when Montclair temporarily allowed leaf blowers to help clean up after Hurricane Irene.

• See related article: Leaf Blower Ban Suspended

See the full leaf blower ordinance here.