Leaf Blowers PresentationSmall Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus Regulation of the Use and Operation of Leaf Blowers Ordinance Adoption Town of Los Gatos June 2, 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 •Draft an ordinance amendment for adoption •Develop an outreach plan •Implement a six -month soft enforcement effort •May 5, 2014 –Ordinance Introduction Background
Small Town Service ~ Community Stewardship ~ Future Focus 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, measured 50 feet from the source, 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. Saturdays 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 effective July 1, 2014 •S oft enforcement from July 1, 2014 -January 1, 2015 –Warning letters issued only •Public Outreach –Town website & What’s New List Serve •www.LosGatosCa.gov/LeafBlowers –Town -wide mailing in June –KCAT –Chamber Newsletter –Spanish translation flyer/information on website