Leaf Blower Debate Drawing To A Close

The Burlingame City Council will hold a public hearing Monday night on the adoption of a leaf blower ordinance, altering the days and times of allowed leaf blower use.

The City Council reviewed new regulations on March 5 after months of debate and collaboration between members of the council and representatives from the Citizens Environmental Council and Bay Area Gardeners Association (BAGA). Councilmembers approved moving forward with the new rules.

Under the new ordinance, leaf blower use restrictions are as follows:

• Once a week use in residential areas (either Tuesday, Thursday or Friday as assigned by City) by commercial gardeners
• Leaf blower use 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends by residents
• Twice a week use for multi-family buildings on leaf blowing days
• Twice a week use for schools and parks on leaf blowing days
• Exemption for properties greater than five acres (such as Mercy High School). Leaf blowers may be operated Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Set penalty of $50 for violation
• Authority of City Manager to waive enforcement during emergencies necessitating clean up (ex. large storm, earthquake)
•  Commercial use blowers must be City-certified as not surpassing 65 decibels at a cost of $25 for up to five machines, or $5 for those with a manufacturer decibel certificate.
• If a holiday falls on a designated leaf-blowing day, that area would be allowed leaf blowing the following leaf-blower-approved day.

The ordinance will become effective July 1, 2012.

For a full agenda of tonight’s meeting, click here. The City Council meets at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 501 Primrose Rd.

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