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Agenda Report
January 17, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Office of the City Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL RATIFYING
THE CITY MANAGER'S POWER AIR BLOWER REGULATION
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the action proposed herein is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section 15378(b); and
2. Adopt a Resolution ratifying the January 14, 2025 City Manager Power Air Blower Regulation.
BACKGROUND:
On January 13, 2025, the City Council ratified the declaration of a local emergency in response to the windstorm and fires that began on January 7, 2025, leading to the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena, which have resulted in widespread damage to property, disruption of services, and potential immediate and long-term health risks to the residents of our community.
The use of power air blowers, including leaf blowers, and other similar devices stir up ash and particulate matter into the air, further worsening air quality and increasing health risks for everyone and their pets, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations.
On January 14, 2025, the City Manager issued a Power Air Blower Regulation in accordance with Chapter 2.370 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, to prohibit use of power air blowers and air propelling devices, such as leaf blowers, in Pasadena. The regulation was issued to limit the adverse health impacts of fire ash, smoke, and particulate matter caused by the widespread fires and extraordinary windstorm conditions in Pasadena.
I
MEETING OF
01/17/2025
AGENDA ITEM NO.
5 Adoption of Resolution Ratifying Air Blower Regulation January 17, 2025
Violation of this order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both, pursuant to P.M.C. Section 2.370.120.
The regulation issued by the City Manager, as the Director of Disaster Emergency Services, must be confirmed by the City Council at the earliest practicable time. This regulation shall be deemed to continue to exist until its termination is proclaimed by the City Council.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The proposed action is consistent with the City Council's strategic planning goal to ensure public safety and health of all those who reside, visit, or work within the City of Pasadena.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
CEQA excludes, from environmental review, actions that are not "projects" as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 and within the meaning of Section 15378(b). Sections 21065 and 15378(b) define a project as an action which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Section 15378 excludes from the definition of "project" administrative activities of governments, general policy and procedure making that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The actions proposed herein, adopting a resolution ratifying the January 14, 2025 City Manager Power Air Blower Regulation to prohibit use of power air blowers and air propelling devices, such as leaf blowers, is an administrative activity, and therefore is not a "project" as defined by CEQA.
Since the action is not a project subject to CEQA, no environmental document is required.
Adoption of Resolution Ratifying Air Blower Regulation
January 17, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action may have some fiscal impact, including costs related to enforcement and directing city staff and city contracted services to use alternative methods for cleaning, but the associated costs are expected to be minimal.
Respectfully submitted,
MANUEL CAFWIONA, MPH, MPA
Acting Director of Public hlealth
Approved:
/''
G-
VMIGUEL MARQUEZ
City Manager
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Attachment:
Attachment A - Power Air Blower Regulation