Princeton Passes Ordinance Restricting Use of Gas Leaf Blowers

PRINCETON, NJ — Council on Monday unanimously passed the sustainable landscape ordinance, limiting the use of gas leaf blowers and other noise-generating landscaping equipment.

The much-discussed ordinance was first introduced to Council on Oct. 11. The vote on Monday caps months of efforts by various groups and individuals to restrict the use of noise-creating landscaping equipment and reduce pollution. Princeton hopes to ultimately phase out the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment.

Sustainable Princeton, Quiet Princeton, the Princeton Environmental Commission, and the Board of Health have been part of the effort, led by Councilmember Eve Niedergang.

“This is an attempt to achieve an environmentally sustainable goal while simultaneously focusing on social justice and racial equity,” Niedergang said on Monday. “It’s been a long haul, but we’re here, and I think our project partners are happy to be here and excited about the outcome of moving this forward.”

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When Patch last reported on the ordinance there were restrictions in place when using noise generating equipment. The ordinance was updated with amendments.

The first is the worker's compensation and insurance requirement. Landscaping companies operating in Princeton are required to register with the municipality and check a box stating they have proper insurance including workmen compensation. The ordinance requires companies to provide actual proof of insurance, which is a copy of its Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing that it has purchased workers' compensation. To ensure clarity on this point, the municipality amended the language saying a COI is only required if and when workers' compensation is required.

The second amendment made to the ordinance was the use of landscaping equipment on holidays. The ordinance permits the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and other equipment from March 15 to May 15 and Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 annually, except Sundays and holidays. The ordinance was amended to list Thanksgiving as the only holiday to fall between these time frames. Using gas-powered leaf blowers and other equipment is also prohibited during New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas.

The operation of any noise-creating blowers including fans and engines is not permitted between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., on Sundays. The exception to this rule is the use of a snowblower to clear sidewalks, walkways, or driveways following a snowstorm, or the use of any portable generator during a power outage caused by a storm or other natural disaster.

From May 16 to Sept. 30, and from Dec. 16 to March 14, the operation of any gas-powered leaf blower at any time is not permitted.

Buses, trucks, or tractors are not allowed to warm up or idle near homes between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Other vehicles and motorcycles are not permitted to “unnecessary and repeated” idle, accelerate and decelerate during these times near homes. All outdoor concerts require permission from the Municipality.

The complete ordinance can be found on the municipality’s website. To read the complete ordinance, click here.

During the public comment section, many residents spoke in support of the ordinance and thanked all the groups and people involved for their work.

Tammy L Sands, Chair of Princeton’s Environmental Commission said the new ordinance “will establish Princeton as a modern, progressive town that tackles local policy with enhanced approaches inclusive to all,” including Mother Earth.

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