Pasadena City Council
March 27, 2023

Planning and Community Development
Update on Leaf Blower Ordinance
City Council Meeting
March 27, 2023
Planning and Community Development
Background
• Ordinance No. 7389 adopted 4/25/22
> Prohibits use of gas-powered leaf blowers by 4/28/23
▪ Emergency exemption for public safety
> Continuation of day and hour restrictions
▪ Mon-Friday 8AM-6PM, Sat. 9AM-5PM
» Exemption for locations 500’+ from a residential area ▪ Prohibited on Sundays
> Continuation of noise level restrictions
▪ 65 decibels when measured from 50’
> Continuation of time allowed
▪ 15 minutes per hr. for parcel less than ½ acre
▪ 30 minutes per hour for parcel greater than ½ acre
2 Planning and Community Development
Outreach and Education
• In Focus PSA publication
• Press releases
• Social media postings
• Direct mailing to landscapers with BLs
• Website page with FAQs and resources
• PSA posters on transit shelters (April to May)
• PWP bill insert (May)
• Field staff door-hanger distribution
• KPAS PSA
• American Green Zone Alliance workshop for landscapers 3 Planning and Community Development
Available Funding
• California CORE
> CARB and CALSTART launched CORE
> SB170 appropriated $27 million
> $400 point-of-sale voucher
> 3 authorized dealers in Pasadena
▪ Lawnmower Corner, Carrillo Outdoor, Ldscpe. Warehouse • AQMD Rebate (late March/April rollout)
> Commercial Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment
incentive program offers up to 75 % discount
> Requires destruction of gas-powered blower
> AQMD rebate can be stacked with CORE voucher
4 Planning and Community Development
Enforcement
> As is current practice for leaf blowers complaints,
Code Compliance will respond immediately when
possible or conduct a follow-up inspection at the
same day and time
> Warning Notice with a 30-day compliance period
will be issued to the landscape business
owner/operator, door hanger also to be placed
> Continued violations will result in issuance of
citations
5 Planning and Community Development
Update on Leaf Blower Ordinance
City Council Meeting
March 27, 2023