Leaf Blowers PresentationSmall Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus Regulation of the Use and Operation of Leaf Blowers Public Hearing Town of Los Gatos May 5, 2014
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus •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 •December 2013 –Study Session •D raft an ordinance amendment for adoption •Develop an outreach plan •Implement a six -month soft enforcement effort Background
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus Proposed Ordinance Amendment •Revise the powered equipment section of the Town Code pursuant to Council direction as follows : –Gasoline leaf blowers shall be prohibited from use in all residential, commercial, and industrial zones or public space . –Electric leaf blowers in excess of 65 decibels shall be prohibited from use in all residential, commercial, and industrial zones or public space . –Electric leaf blowers shall be operated only during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekends in residential, commercial, industrial, public spaces or noise sensitive zones. Leaf Blower use is prohibited on Sundays and holidays . –Add a new Section 16.20.070 that addresses enforcement and penalties
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus Ordinance Implementation •Ordinance in effect 30 days after adoption •Seven -month soft enforcement period –Warning letters issued only –January 1, 2015 enforcement penalties in effect •Public Outreach –Town website & List Serves –Town -wide mailing (residents & businesses) –KCAT
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus Recommendation •Approve the First Reading and Introduction of an ordinance of the Town of Los Gatos Amending Section 16.20.060 of the Town of Los Gatos Municipal Code to regulate the use and operation of leaf blowers and adding Section 16.20.070 related to Enforcement.
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus Alternatives 1.Make no changes to the current ordinance. 2.Modify the proposed ordinance amendment.