Princeton To Introduce Sustainable Landscape Ordinance Oct. 11

PRINCETON, NJ — Autumn is here and so is the season of leaf blowers. The much-discussed sustainable landscape ordinance is expected to be introduced at the Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 11.

The overall goal of the ordinance is to reduce noise and pollution from gas leaf blowers, and gradually move the township towards more sustainable ways of landscaping.

The township's Sustainable Landscaping Steering Committee (SLSC) recently suggested changes to the noise and landscaper registration ordinance.

According to the proposed changes, Gas Leaf Bowers will be permitted for two months in the fall and two months in the spring. The ordinance is expected to give a clearer idea of the dates, which will in turn be determined by landscaping companies and employees. However, Electric leaf blowers (ELB) will be allowed at all times with a few exceptions.

The ordinance is also expected to contain timings of landscape equipment use. According to previous recommendations, landscaping equipment including chainsaws was to be allowed Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in season. Hours of operation on Saturday will end at 5 p.m. Use of GLB and chainsaws will not be allowed on Sundays and on federal holidays. Only emergency use will be allowed. These timings may not apply to homeowners who use electric or other equipment for landscaping.

Read More Here:

Will Princeton Ban Gas Leaf Blowers? More Discussions Ahead

Gas Leaf Blower Restriction Ordinance Coming Soon To Princeton

The committee had also suggested imposing fines to ensure the enforcement of the rules, which would come into effect with the passage of the ordinance.

Another important recommendation made by the committee earlier was in the sphere of company registration and paperwork.

Currently, landscaping companies are required to register with the municipality and check a box stating they have proper insurance including workmen compensation. But under the proposed changes, they will have to provide proof of insurance and other paperwork.

Members of the SLSC said this was a key recommendation made by landscaping companies and workers.

The Sustainable Landscaping Steering Committee has held many meetings since the recommendations were made. What changes are contained within the ordinance remains to be seen.

The meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 11 t 7 p.m. Click here for the zoom link.

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.