Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban | Quiet The Mowers

Overview

In October 2023, the City of Berkeley enacted a comprehensive ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, becoming one of the largest U.S. cities to do so. The ordinance was the result of a two-year campaign led by local residents and environmental groups who documented noise complaints and air quality data.

Key Provisions

**Sale Ban** — Effective immediately upon passage, no retailer within city limits may sell new gas-powered leaf blowers.

**Use Ban** — After a 12-month phase-in period, use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited citywide.

**Rebate Program** — The city allocates $250,000 annually to rebate residents and commercial landscapers who trade in gas blowers for electric models. Rebates of up to $200 per unit.

**Enforcement** — Code enforcement responds to complaints. First offense: warning. Second: $100 fine. Third and subsequent: $250 fine.

**Commercial Transition Fund** — Additional grants available for landscaping businesses with 5 or fewer employees to support fleet conversion.

How to Use This Template

This ordinance structure works well for mid-sized cities. Key elements to replicate:

**Phase-in period** gives residents and businesses time to adapt

**Rebate program** removes the cost objection

**Commercial transition support** addresses the equity concern for small businesses

**Complaint-based enforcement** keeps administrative costs low

Campaign That Won It

Local organizer Maria T. started with 50 signatures from her block. She measured noise levels over 4 weekends, documented 15 noise complaints to the city, and presented the data at 3 council meetings. The campaign gathered 1,200 signatures before the council vote.

"The data made the difference. When we showed the council our dB readings, the debate shifted from 'is this a problem?' to 'how do we fix it?'" — Maria T., Campaign Organizer