Discussion on a Ban on
the Use of Gas-Powered
Leaf Blowers in the City
of Burbank
City Council
September 10, 2024
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
BACKGROUND
2 • November 15, 2022:
o Then Vice Mayor Nick Schultz requested a report on
banning gas-powered leaf blowers.
• October 19, 2023:
o Council Member Tamala Takahashi requested a
memorandum on the ban.
CURRENT STATE LEGISLATION
3 Executive Order N -79-20 (2020) Addresses:
• Climate Change Crisis
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Accelerates Zero-emission Technology Adoption
Assembly Bill 1346 (2021):
• Bans the sale of new gas-powered small off-road
engines (SORE) from 2024 onwards
o Exceptions Until 2028:
o Generators
o Large Pressure Washers
CURRENT LEGISLATION – CONTINUED
4 Assembly Bill 1346 (2021) CONTINUED>>>:
• Directed California Air Resources Board (CARB) to
Develop Cost-Effective and Technologically
Feasible Regulations:
o New Engines (Model Year 2024 or Later)
o Certified and labeled to meet emission standards
o New SORE sales must be zero-emission
• Does NOT ban the use, repair, or sale of existing
gas-powered SOREs
WHAT ARE SOREs?
5 Spark-ignition engines with rated power at or below 19 kilowatts (25 horsepower):
• Generators
• Leaf Blowers
• Lawn mowers
• Weed trimmers
• Chain Saws
• Golf carts
• Airport Ground Support Equipment
• Specialty Vehicles
IMPLEMENTATION BY LOCAL CITIES
6 • Beverly Hills (1976)
• Glendale (2024)
• Los Angeles (1998)
• Use banned within 500 feet of residences, schools, and hospitals. • Pasadena (2023)
• Max noise level 65 dBA from 50 feet for electric.
• Santa Monica (1991)
• Allows for zero-emission electric leaf blowers with sound rating at or below 70 dBA as of July 2023.
• South Pasadena (2022)
• West Hollywood (1986)
BENEFITS OF A BAN
7 • Reduced Air Pollution
o Could lead to improved air quality
• Potential Respiratory Health Improvements
• Slight Noise Reduction
o Largest leaf blower complaint
o Gas: 65 to 80 dBA at 50 feet
o Electric: 65 to 75 dBA at 50 feet
IMPACTS OF A BAN
8 • Battery -Powered Limitations
• Potential Job Loss in Landscaping Industry
• Enforcement Challenges and Costs
o Resistance to the Ban
o Additional Cost for Staff Time
o May reduce number of landscapers willing to do
business in the City
• Transition/Replacement Costs
ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT COSTS
9 Equipment Gas-powered Battery -powered
Leaf Blowers
$200
low-end, residential use
$200
low-end, residential use
$1,700
high-end, commercial use
$3,500
high-end, commercial use
Replacement
Batteries N/A $200 to $400
each
Smart Charger N/A $650 (average)
ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT/UPGRADE
COSTS TO THE CITY
10 Replacement/Upgrade # of Units Cost Per Unit TOTAL
Modification to Forestry and Parks &
Recreation Maintenance Vehicles
32 Vehicles $700.00 $22,400.00
Vehicle Modification Labor 96
Hours - $6,120.48
Replacement of Gas-Powered Leaf
Blowers with Electric
23 Leaf Blowers $750.00 $17,250.00
Extra Batteries (two per leaf blower) 46
Batteries $400.00 $18,400.00
Climate-Controlled Room for
Overnight Charging 1
Included in City
Yard Services
Building Project
–
TOTAL ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT/UPGRADE COSTS TO CITY $64,170.48* *Excludes the additional cost of maintenance and electricity for charging. Additional labor/enforcement costs are not included in this estimate.
ALTERNATIVES TO AN IMMEDIATE BAN
11 1. Gradual Phase -out of Gas -powered SOREs
through Attrition ( recommended )
• Replacement with zero-emission models as
equipment reaches end-of-life
2. Target Date for a Ban
• Approximately three years
• Determine all SOREs or only gas-powered leaf
blowers
• City Ordinance required
RECOMMENDATION
12 An immediate ban is not recommended .
It is recommended that the City continue to allow
owners and users of gas-powered leaf blowers, and
all gas-powered SOREs, to utilize their equipment
until a replacement need arises or Council
establishes a target date for implementation of a
ban.
CONTACT
13 Katie Picha
Administrative Officer
Community Development Department
[email protected]
818-238-5176