Princeton Introduces Ordinance Limiting Use Of Gas Leaf Blowers

PRINCETON, NJ —The Township on Monday introduced an ordinance restricting the use of gas leaf blowers and other noise-creating landscaping equipment.

According to the ordinance, from May 16 to Sept. 30 each year, and from Dec. 16 to March 14 the following calendar year, no person is allowed to operate any gas-powered leaf blower at any time.

Restrictions on use are in place for Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas, from March 15 to May 15, and Oct.1 to Dec. 15. Gas leaf blowers can be used only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Exceptions include emergency use, such as clearing a walkway, driveway, or street from debris following a storm or other natural disaster.

Those who have an electric-powered leaf blower can use it on holidays, but the ordinance sets a time limit on its use. Use of the equipment is only permitted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The ordinance calls for the use of lawnmowers between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The use of other noise-creating gas-powered equipment, blowers, power fans, or internal combustion engines, including chain saws, snowblowers, and portable generators is prohibited during Sundays and holidays, with emergency use exception.

“This ordinance is the first step as we hopefully move towards a paradigm shift necessitated by climate change,” said Councilwoman Eve Niedergang.

“More sustainable methods are essential, as is the health and wellbeing of those who do this work.”

Niedergang thanked members of the township's Sustainable Landscaping Steering Committee for their work. She said the ordinance was a “compromise” as it satisfies completely “neither those who like a ban on gas leaf blowers,” nor those who wish to protect landscape workers from the economic impact of these limits.

“But I think that it provides some benefits to all involved and moves us as a community towards more sustainable landscaping practices and measures to protect the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of the landscaping workers,” said Niedergang.

Financial assistance will also be required to help landscaping companies move towards a greener alternative, said Niedergang. State action and private donation will be key to these next steps. Sustainable Princeton is also creating an equipment transition fund to help reduce the financial burden on landscapers.

The new ordinance also includes a section on violations and penalties and changes in registration requirements.

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 25. A complete copy of the ordinance can be found here.

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