CITY OF LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE - BUDGET AMENDMENT
Date Fiscal Year
09/15/26 2026-27
Program Fund Amended (Name) Fund Number
Civic Center 1
REVENUES:
Account Description Account Number Current Budget Proposed Amendments Amended Budget
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
TOTAL $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
EXPENDITURES:
Account Description Account Number Current Budget Proposed Amendments Amended Budget
Building Maintenance 01-55-7103 $124,000.00 $67,000.00 $191,000.00 $0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
TOTAL $124,000.00 $67,000.00 $191,000.00
PURPOSE:
APPROVALS:
Department Head Date City Manager Date
Finance Department Date of City Council Approval (if required) General Fund
To increase the Account budget for FY26-27 Building Maintenance to include the cost for the unforseen repair and install of the isolation valve for City Hall's second floor HVAC System
City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: September 15, 2026
Subject: First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 4.25, Prohibition of Use of Small Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment to Title 4, Public Welfare, of the La Cañada Flintridge Municipal Code and Finding the Municipal Code Amendment Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
Presenter: Antonio Gardea, Assistant Director of Community Development Proposed Action: Motion to direct the City Attorney to read the title of the ordinance, waive further reading, and introduce the ordinance on a roll call vote Environmental Impact: Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3), which states the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The proposed action will ban the use of small gas powered landscaping equipment, resulting in improved air quality
Fiscal Impact: Prior to and in conjunction with implementation of the proposed ordinance, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends a public engagement and outreach campaign and waiver of business license fees. If the City Council authorizes the fee waiver, the combined costs are estimated at $11,000, accounted for as part of General Fund allocation to implement the goals and policies of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (Account 01-25-6061) Background:
On April 7th, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the use of gaspowered landscape equipment after input from the Sustainability and Resilience Commission regarding phasing, public outreach, and enforcement. The City Council discussion followed the Sustainability and Resilience Commission's recommendation to ban the use of gas-powered equipment, in alignment with the California Air Resources Board regulation of small off-road engines, as part of an implementing action for the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. On April 14, 2026, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission considered the draft ordinance and provided the recommendation to the City Council.
Discussion/Analysis:
On April 14, 2026, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission considered the draft ordinance banning the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment. The prohibition phasing, based on equipment type, was the primary discussion item. Revisions were recommended to the definitions and prohibition subsections to specifically match the California Air Resources Board regulations. The
Sustainability and Resilience Commission considered the enforcement of the gas-powered landscape equipment ban and identified the need for education and outreach before issuing violation notices for non-compliance. An emphasis was placed on the incentives and recommendations forwarded to the City Council. The draft ordinance recitals include the Sustainability and Resilience Commission's recommendations for fee waivers, promotion of early adopters, an outreach campaign, and cooperation with the La Cañada Unified School District.
Phasing
The City Council asked that the ordinance include a tiered enforcement structure, beginning with leaf blowers in October 2026 and then prohibiting the use of the other equipment over time. The Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends an annual phase in schedule that prioritizes the transition of higher-cost and more routinely used equipment, like trimmers and edgers. In the second year (2027) of the gas-powered landscape equipment ban, riding and walk-behind mowers would be prohibited. The prohibition of the remainder of the listed landscape equipment follows in year three (2028). A concern was expressed regarding the ongoing availability of rebates for zero emissions equipment provided by the Air Quality Management District over the course of the next few years.
Enforcement
Code Enforcement staff noted that written warning notices would be the basis for progressive enforcement as a matter of practice. As a point of clarification, administrative citations would only be issued to the property owner(s). The Sustainability and Resilience Commission confirmed that misdemeanor and/or infraction violations are not appropriate enforcement methods. For issuance of these types of violations, the issuing officer is required to have Penal Code 832 (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification. At the advice of the City Attorney, provisions that involve enforcement actions against tenants were also omitted from the ordinance.
Public Engagement and Incentives
The City Council discussed a six-month education campaign to inform the public about the proposed leaf blower ban. The Sustainability and Resilience Commission emphasized the importance of outreach and suggested that staff coordinate workshops that gardeners could attend and demonstrations of the zero-emissions equipment for the community in general. Incentives for companies that transition to zero-emissions equipment were also recommended, including waiving of business license fees as well as recognition and promotion of certification from the American Green Zone Alliance. Again, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission noted that the South Coast Air Quality Management District offers rebate programs to both commercial operators and residents to help transition from the use of gas-powered equipment to zero-emissions equipment.
Options:
1. Motion to direct the City Attorney to read the ordinance by title only, waive further reading, and introduce the ordinance on a roll call vote; or
2. Defer action and provide direction to staff.
Recommendation:
Option No. 1 – It is recommended that the City Council take the following action(s): Motion to direct the City Attorney to read the ordinance by title only, waive further reading, and introduce the ordinance on a roll call vote.
Attachments:
1. Draft Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE AMENDING TITLE 4 OF THE LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 4.25 PROHIBITION OF USE OF
GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT AND FINDING THE
ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2024, the sale of new small off-road engine-powered landscape equipment, such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and small chainsaws, was prohibited state-wide; and WHEREAS, for the health, safety, and welfare of the City's residents and visitors, the City of La Cañada Flintridge ("City") desires to expedite phasing out the use of small off-road engine-powered landscape equipment;
WHEREAS, the toxic pollutants from gas-powered garden equipment are known to cause health issues including dizziness, asthma attacks, headaches, and heart and lung disease for both operators and bystanders; and
WHEREAS, the emissions from gas-powered landscape equipment, including the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, contribute to air pollution and climate change; and
WHEREAS, the quality of life can be affected by the level of noise experienced by those who live, work, and recreate within the City; and WHEREAS, the adopted La Cañada Flintridge 2024 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan recommends that the Municipal Code be amended to prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment; and
WHEREAS, The City’s General Plan was adopted in 2013 and implementation of the General Plan with regard to noise was to focus on three main efforts: 1) maintaining areas deemed currently acceptable in terms of noise exposure; 2) mitigating impacts from existing sources of noise on existing sensitive land uses; and 3) implementing planning policies and zoning to ensure that new development both is protected from unwarranted noise and does not contribute to unacceptable levels of noise within the community; and
WHEREAS, efforts to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) also figure prominently in the Air Quality Element of the City’s General Plan, including goals and objectives that would reduce air pollution and GHG emissions through conservation activities, policies and programs, regulations, and use of technology and reduce the amount of fugitive dust emitted into the atmosphere.
WHEREAS, on April 7, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance restricting the use of small gas-powered landscape equipment; and WHEREAS, on April 14, 2026, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission considered the regulations of gas-powered leaf blowers and landscape equipment in general and provided recommendations to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends that the City Council consider waiving of business license fees to encourage businesses to transition from gas-powered equipment to zero-emissions equipment; and WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends that “Green License” program be initiated that highlights landscape businesses that use zero-emissions equipment; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends that an outreach and education plan be considered once the ordinance banning gas-powered landscape equipment is adopted; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommend that the City and the La Cañada Unified School District transition to electric landscape equipment as soon as feasible to set a leadership example for the community; and WHEREAS, on September 15, 2026, the City’s City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance, and all testimony received was made a part of the public record; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered all information presented to it, including the written staff report, and any testimony provided at the public hearing, and introduced this Ordinance for a first reading; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Findings. The City Council finds and determines that the recitals above are true and correct, and are hereby incorporated by reference. Additionally, the City Council finds as follows:
A. The proposed amendment will further the public health, safety and general welfare. The proposed amendment to the ordinance will regulate air quality associated with gas-powered landscape equipment that can generate excessive levels of emissions within the City limits and will help protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the City and its residents.
B. The proposed amendment will not adversely affect adjoining property as to value, precedent or be detrimental to the area. The proposed amendment to the
ordinance will prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment and help regulate emissions to improve air quality within the city. The regulation will help protect property values in the city while allowing for appropriate levels of landscape maintenance of existing parcels.
C. The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan and is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Code and other ordinances and regulations of the City. The benefits to air quality were identified in the goals, policies and objectives of the Air Quality Element. Limitations on gas-powered garden equipment will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) landscape emissions which figure prominently in Chapters 3, 5 and 6 of the City’s Air Quality Element.
Section 2. California Environmental Quality Act. The City Council hereby finds that the proposed Municipal Code amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3), which states the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It is found with certainty that there is no possibility this regulatory amendment prohibiting gas-powered landscape equipment will have a significant negative effect on the environment. Contrarily, the amendment will have a positive effect on the environment by reducing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 3. Title 4 of the La Cañada Flintridge Municipal Code is hereby amended to add Chapter 4.25, which shall read as follows:
“Chapter 4.25 Prohibition of Use of Small Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment. § 4.25.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the " Prohibition of Use of Small Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment Ordinance."
§ 4.25.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. To protect against the harmful effects of gas-powered landscape equipment and advance the general health, safety, and welfare of the City's residents and visitors.
B. To reduce air pollution from small off road engines that contribute disproportionally to greenhouse gas emissions.
C. To implement a supportive energy strategy (Energy Strategy 3.5) of the City of La Cañada Flintridge’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan that recommends prohibiting the use of small gas-powered landscape equipment.
D. To control unnecessary, excessive, and annoying sounds emanating from all areas of the City
§ 4.25.030 Definitions.
“Small Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment” shall include, but is not limited to, trimmers, edgers, lawn mowers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, leaf vacuums, pole saws, and chainsaws of equal to or less than 25 horsepower regardless of the type (e.g., handheld, ride-on, backpack, and push) and similar tools or equipment used for landscaping and vegetation maintenance purposes.
§ 4.25.040 Prohibition of Use of Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment A. Effective November 6, 2026, it is unlawful for any person to operate, or authorize the operation of small gas-powered leaf blowers of equal to or less than 25 horsepower. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the responsible party for any violation of this subsection shall be the property owner.
B. Effective October 1, 2027, it is unlawful for any person to operate, or authorize the operation of small gas-powered (riding, walk-behind, zero-turn) mowers, trimmers, weed whackers, and edgers of equal to or less than 25 horsepower.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the responsible party for any violation of this subsection shall be the property owner.
C. Effective October 1, 2028, it is unlawful for any person to operate or authorize the operation of small gas-powered landscape equipment, including but not limited to brush cutters and chainsaws, that is/are equal to or less than 25 horsepower.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the responsible party for any violation of this subsection shall be the property owner.
D. Use of small gas-powered landscape equipment is exempt from this section as follows:
1. When utilized by or at the direction of emergency responders for the purposes of responding to an emergency, or necessary to restore, preserve, protect or save lives or property from imminent danger of loss or harm.
2. When used to clear downed trees or vegetation in areas needing expedient clearance when necessary to protect public safety.
3. When used by a commercial tree service from the Official City Approved Arborists and Tree Trimmers List for removal of trees, in accordance with Chapter 11.40 of Title 11 (Zoning), and/or when used by a commercial tree service pursuant to Chapter 4.24.060 for removal and trimming of trees.
4. No small gas-powered landscape equipment shall be operated in a manner that directs dust and debris onto any neighboring parcel, storm drain, public property, or public street.
§ 4.25.050 Enforcement Procedures Violations.
A. If it is determined that a violation of this chapter occurs at a fixed location, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. A Notice of Violation shall be issued by the investigating officer or designee to the property owner.
2. If the violation persists following the issuance of a written Notice of Violation, or reoccurs within a 30 day period from the issuance of a Notice of Violation, then the person responsible shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter and an administrative citation shall be issued, subject to the fines set forth in Chapter 1.07 of this code.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or its application to any Person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its application to any other Person or circumstance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption in accordance with California Government Code Section 36937.
Section 6. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published and/or posted in accordance with applicable law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 15th day of September, 2026.
_________________________________
Jeanne K. Hobson, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Tania Garcia, City Clerk