12-16-13 Study Session Leaf BlowersCouncil Direction on the
Regulation of Leaf Blowers
Town of Los Gatos
December 16, 2013
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July 2012
Sustainability Plan Adopted
Possible adoption of leaf blower ordinance (RE-4)
August 2013
Study Session
Direction to provide additional information
Survey of cities with ordinances in place
Recommendations to regulate leaf blower use
Recommendations on educational options and leaf blower exchange programs
Background
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Leaf Blower Ordinances in Effect
Cities surveyed
City of Los Altos
City of Palo Alto
City of Beverly Hills
City of Santa Monica
Some limits on types of leaf blowers used in residential areas
Varying degrees of public outreach & education
Low priority complaint based enforcement
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Recommendation
Join with other local agencies in supporting a Bay Area leaf blower exchange program and Spare the Air Day leaf blower restrictions.
In residential zones, prohibit gas powered leaf blowers OR prohibit leaf blowers over 65 decibels.
Direct staff to include notice of pending regulations to gardeners, landscapers, or related business license holders or permittees.
Direct staff to limit the first 6 months of enforcement to warning notices or letters issued by Police or Community Development as complaints are received.
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Alternatives
Make no changes to the current ordinance.
Reduce the hours and/or days for use of leaf blowers in residential and/or commercial areas.
Prohibit the use of gas powered leaf blowers in commercial areas.
Prohibit the use of leaf blowers that emit 65 decibels or more in commercial areas.
Prohibit the use of all leaf blowers in residential and/or commercial areas.
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