On September 21, 2021, the Alameda City Council passed an ordinance (Ordinance No. 3307) that bans the sale and the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers. The law goes into effect January 1, 2023.
Why ban gas-powered leaf blowers?
Gas-powered leaf blowers pollute our City's air and exposes everyone nearby to health risks. The ban is part of the City's Climate Action and Resiliency Plan to eliminate air emissions and pollutants that worsen climate change.
When does the ban go into effect?
The ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers goes into effect January 1, 2023. In the meantime, City staff is working to educate the public and our businesses about the ban. Click on the right-hand panel to download an informational flier.
Are there alternatives to gas-powered leaf blowers?
Yes! There are a variety of electric and battery-powered leaf blowers on the market and you can also use a rake. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District periodically runs a gardening equipment exchange program. Click here for more information.
Are there penalties for violating the ban?
Yes. The City will first attempt to educate community members about the ban and alternatives to gas-powered leaf blowers, but the ordinance does allow the City to issue citations to violators in order to bring the community into compliance. Any person may be held liable for a violation; this includes the person using a gas-powered leaf blower, an employee, a business, a tenant, or the property owner.
Does the ban affect businesses selling gardening equipment?
Yes. The ordinance bans the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers starting January 1, 2023. Businesses will not be allowed to sell such equipment after January 1, 2023, and they will also need to post a visible notice about the ban.
What should I do if I own a gas-powered leaf blower?
Please replace your gasoline-powered leaf blower and tell your gardeners/landscapers that they must do the same by January 1, 2023. Check out the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's gardening equipment exchange program here. You can also apply to participate in the State of California's CORE program, which provides vouchers to purchase new equipment.
In addition, all gardeners are required to have a valid Business License with the City of Alameda.