Leaf Blower Debate Heats Up

After almost two hours of discussion and public comment regarding an ordinance restricting leaf blower usage in Burlingame at Monday’s City Council meeting, council members concluded more information and public outreach was necessary before moving forward with any changes to the existing leaf blower laws.

Following a  highlighting the Citizens Environmental Council’s report on the quality of life, environmental and health benefits of restricting gas-powered leaf blowers in Burlingame, the council appeared in favor of such limitations but requested more information on electric-powered alternatives and called for a community survey.

As echoed by the public comments at Monday’s meeting, the survey results came back split almost evenly concerning a complete ban of leaf blowers, as well as hours of operations, said Community Development Director Bill Meeker. Over a two-month period, 881 residents responded to the survey.

“Whether it is the health of Burlingame citizens and gardeners, the pollution of our city’s air [or] the noise in our streets…the city of Burlingame wants meaningful change,” said JoAnneh Nagler, who prepared the CEC report presented in May. “A collaborative solution that speaks to everyone’s needs can be found.”

However, gardeners and other Burlingame residents questioned the validity of the report and the necessity for electric-powered leaf blowers.

Many gardeners said they and their family members had been in the gardening business for decades without suffering from respiratory or hearing ailments cited by proponents of the ban as health risks associated with leaf blowers.

While Nagler said using electric blowers allows for thousands of dollars in fuel savings per year, gardeners argued additional help would be necessary for holding the long cords electric requires, forcing many gardeners to raise their prices, which would potentially alienate customers and cause gardeners to lose clients and revenue.

Gardener Netsor Toribio said he lost 75 percent of his residential customers in Palo Alto when the city passed a similar ban, and he wasn’t the only one.

“When Palo Alto eliminated leaf blowers, one of the council members had a gardener,” Toribio said. “He was her gardener for 10 years. Four months after they eliminated the blower, they fired him.”

Those in favor of abolishing blowers argued that not only do they stir up hazardous dust and particulates, but they cause a distracting amount of noise, especially now that so many people work out of their homes.

“I like to go out walking my dog, and when I’m out walking and the leaf blowers are blowing dust and allergens in my face, it’s not very enjoyable,” said resident Jan Robertson. “[Also] it’s very difficult to work at home and have a quiet environment.”

Others questioned why the attack only on leaf blowers, when city-operated vehicles would still emit pollutants and garbage and recycling trucks would still clunk down the streets early in the morning.

“These guys work hard; you’re going to damage business in this city at a critical time when people are trying to find work,” said resident Steven Finnie. “They’re no louder than the street sweeper when he goes by [or glass thrown in recycling trucks at 5 a.m.], but we’re worried about these guys at three in the afternoon. I think it’s anti-business, and I think it’s elitist.”

Others additionally took issue with gardeners as a group being targeted, especially since gas blowers would still be permitted for schools and city parks under the ordinance.  Council members were quick to acknowledge this complaint, many saying gardeners should have previously been more involved in the discussion and encouraging further input from them.

“I am not in favor in going ahead with this ordinance as written unless we take more time to talk to the gardeners, because they’ve had some awfully good input I haven’t heard before,” said Vice Mayor Jerry Deal.

Mayor Terry Nagel, who thinks some restrictions should be put in place to address noise and health issues, suggested forming a subcommittee to work with city staff in order to find a solution that addresses any unanswered questions.

Nagel and Councilmember Ann Keighran, who said she believed it was not up to the city to set health standards and the decision of leaf blowers should be left to homeowners, will serve on the subcommittee.

The council will continue the discussion on leaf blower restrictions at a later meeting.  To learn more about current leaf blower restrictions and those suggested under a new ordinance, take a look at this city staff report.