Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 8.2. 5/23/2023 File #: 23-0333
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Russell Bunim, Community Development Director
Mary Binning, City Attorney
1. SUBJECT
Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 07-23 revising restrictions for leaf blowers.
2. SUMMARY
The proposed Ordinance restricts the maximum decibels allowed for leaf blowers, reduces the hours that leaf blowers may be operated in residential areas, and extends responsibility for violations to property owners as well as leaf blower operators.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 07-23. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Orange amending Chapter 8.26 of the Orange Municipal Code relating to leaf blowers.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 3: Enhance and promote quality of life in the community c: Support and enhance attractive, diverse living environments.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
At the March 14, 2023, City Council meeting, the City Council requested that staff prepare an ordinance amending Chapter 8.26 of the Orange Municipal Code regarding leaf blowers. After receiving public comment regarding excessive noise from leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods, the Council discussed the following changes to the Code: (1) lower the maximum allowable decibels produced by a leaf blower from 70 to 65 decibels dB(a), measured at a horizontal distance of 50 feet; (2) require that leaf blower operators provide proof of the maximum noise level of the blower; (3) reduce the allowable hours that leaf blowers may be used in residential areas; and (4) extend liability for violations to property owners as well as blower operators.
7. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed ordinance is not subject to California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) review because it is an action intended to reduce noise pollution in the community and not a “project”as defined in CEQA.
City of Orange Printed on 5/18/2023Page 1 of 2
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Item #: 8.2. 5/23/2023 File #: 23-0333
8. ATTACHMENTS
· Ordinance No. 07-23 - REDLINED
· Ordinance No. 07-23 - CLEAN
City of Orange Printed on 5/18/2023Page 2 of 2
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