Montclair’s New Leaf Blower Law Takes Effect

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s new leaf blower rules are officially in play, officials announced Tuesday.

In February, Montclair added another chapter to the saga of its long, contentious history with leaf blowers when the town council passed an ordinance that will drastically cut back on the number of days that internal combustion blowers can be used.

Read the full ordinance here.

The estoppel period on ordinance O-21-01 has expired, meaning that the ordinance is now in effect, town officials said Tuesday.

Here are the new rules (also see chart below).

HOURS

Leaf blowers powered by internal combustion engines shall not be operated in the Township of Montclair except as follows:

• On weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., except that leaf blowers may be used by an occupant or owner of the premises between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays.
• On Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., except that leaf blowers may be used by an occupant or owner of the premises between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• On Sundays and the following holidays, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Good Friday and Thanksgiving.

DATES

In addition:

“The operation of leaf blowers powered by internal combustion engines shall be limited in each calendar year to the time period between March 15 and May 15, inclusive, and between October 15 and December 15, inclusive.”

The Emergency Management Coordinator shall have the authority to extend or modify such dates when extreme or unusual weather conditions warrant, Montclair officials said.

• See related article: Montclair Changes Its Leaf Blower Law – Again

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