Introduced by: ___________ _
ORDINANCE NO. __ _
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASADENA AMENDING CHAPTER 9.37 (LEAF BLOWING MACHINES) OF TITLE 9 (PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE) OF THE PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE PROHIBITION OF GAS
POWERED LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
The People of the City of Pasadena ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Pasadena Municipal Code, Title 9, Article 6, Chapter 9.37 (Leaf Blowing Machines), Section 9.37.030 (Prohibitions) is amended as follows:
"9.37.030 - Prohibition.
A. It is unlawful for any person to use or to operate, or cause to be operated any type of leaf-blowing machine or device within a residential area before 8:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday; or at any time on Sunday.
B. It is unlawful for any person to use or allow to be used, or to operate or cause to be used or operated any type of leaf-blowing machine or device in the city within a radius of 500 feet of a residential area before 8:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday; or at any time on Sunday.
C. It is unlawful for any person to use or operate, or cause to be used or operated, a leaf blower in such a manner as to blow, dispel or make airborne, leaves, grass cuttings, paper, trash or any other type of unattached debris or material, which, by use of the leaf blower , will intentionally cause such leaves, grass cuttings, paper, trash or any other type of unattached debris or material to become airborne or travel beyond the property boundaries of the parcel on which it is being used, to adjoining properties or public rights-of-way within the city, and to remain there for more than 15 minutes.
D. It is unlawful to operate more than one leaf blower per parcel. 1 E. It is unlawful to operate a leaf blower for more than 15 minutes per hour on a parcel less than 1/2 acre, and for more than 30 minutes per hour on a parcel greater than 1/2 acre.
F. It is unlawful to operate a leaf blower with a maximum noise level of 65 decibels when measured from a distance of 50 feet.
G. Commencing February 28, 2023, it is unlawful for the city, and commencing April 28, 2023, it is unlawful for any person to operate or authorize the operation of a gas-powered leaf blower at any time for any purpose.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the person responsible for any violation of this Section G shall be limited to the landscape business owner, or homeowner if using their private gas-powered leaf blower. Use of gas-powered leaf blowers 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, as authorized by the City."
SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause this ordinance to be published in full text.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon publication.
Signed and approved this ____ day of _______ , 2022.
Victor Gordo
Mayor of the City of Pasadena
2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was adopted by the City Council of the City of Pasadena at its meeting held this ____ day of ______ 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Date Published:
Approved as to form:
/s/ Theresa Fuentes
Theresa E. Fuentes
Assistant City Attorney
3 Mark Jomsky
City Clerk