Administrative
Report
N.3., File # 22-4697 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: BRANDY FORBES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE CITY’S LEAF
BLOWER ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR ELECTRIC OR BATTERY POWERED
LEAF BLOWERS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2018 the City Council discussed the various options for regulating leaf blower use in the City of Redondo Beach. At that time the decision was made to prohibit the operation of any motorized leaf blower, including use by City personnel for maintenance of public property.
On June 21, 2022, the City Council made a referral to staff to revisit the Ordinance and consider exceptions to the ban to possibly allow for electric or battery powered leaf blowers. Reference was made at the time to the numerous Public Works projects impacted by the prohibition and the potential for efficiencies in ongoing municipal property maintenance.
BACKGROUND
The current regulations banning leaf blowers were adopted via Ordinance 3180-18 on July 10, 2018 and became effective August 10, 2018. When the Ordinance was initially considered the Council discussed possible restrictions on allowable days and hours of operation, prohibitions by specific locations in the City, banning just gasoline powered leaf blowers, the effectiveness of electric leaf blowers, and the additional time and labor costs that result from a total ban on leaf blowers. The Council determined that the noise and air pollution caused by leaf blowers is detrimental to the community’s health and welfare and decided to ban all leaf blowers.
During the discussions in 2018, the main concern with leaf blowers appeared to be the disturbance to surrounding properties caused by noise. There was also concern about leaf blowers spreading particles and contaminants into the air. It was noted, that even though improvements have been implemented in newer models of leaf blowers, older equipment still in use contribute to pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
The current regulations are as follows:
Redondo Beach Municipal Code 4-24.507 Domestic power tools. (a) The operation or permitting the operation of any mechanical power saw, sander, drill, grinder, lawn or garden tool, or similar tool, or pneumatic or other air-powered tool between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day so as to be audible to the NCO at the
N.3., File # 22-4697 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day so as to be audible to the NCO at the complainant’s real property line shall be prohibited.
(b) Any pneumatic or other air-powered tool, motor, machinery, pump, or the like shall be properly muffled and maintained in good working order. (c) It is unlawful to operate any motorized leaf blower in the City at any time.
Initially, enforcement of the regulations was done through courtesy notices. In June 2020, Code Enforcement started issuing citations to the operators of leaf blowers. On July 1, 2021 the Code Enforcement duties were transferred to the Police Department where additional support resources were provided to more effectively enforce City codes. However, per City regulations, the citations are only issued to the operators of the leaf blowers rather than the property owners, so attaining full compliance continues to be a challenge, as many of the operators cycle through the community.
The regulations also restricted the City’s use of leaf blowers. An evaluation of those costs was included in the June 12, 2018 Administrative Report (see attached). There have since been industry changes, as well as State regulations regarding leaf blowers. Assembly Bill 1346, adopted in 2021, will ban the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers, generators and other small off-road engines in California as soon as 2024. The bill was signed by Governor Newsom on October 9, 2021.
Currently, use of all motorized leaf blowers are prohibited in the City of Redondo Beach.
Comparison of gas powered and battery powered:
Noise: Gas powered leaf blowers create the most noise at 80 to 90 decibels (measured from 50 feet away). Electric and battery-powered models are quieter with a decibel range between 65 and 70 decibels measured from the same distance. There are new models of electric leaf blowers that operate at 59 decibels.
Combustible exhaust pollution: Per AB 1346, there are zero-emission equivalents to gas powered leaf blowers and other lawn and garden equipment. The battery technology required for commercialgrade zero-emission equipment is available and many users, both commercial and residential, have already begun to transition to zero-emission equipment. The intent of AB 1346 is to protect public health from the harmful effects of emissions of small off-road engines, such as those found in gas powered leaf blowers and other lawn and garden equipment.
Particulate: Although battery or electric leaf blowers may reduce noise and eliminate emissions, the issues associated with particulates being blown in the air by the equipment would persist.
Options to consider:
1. Exempt electric and battery-powered leaf blowers outright
2. Exempt electric and battery-powered leaf blowers, but limit the hours of operation
3. Allow all leaf blowers, but limit the hours of operation
4. Allow all leaf blowers, repealing the ordinance outright It is recommended that the City Council discuss the options and provide direction to staff on proposed Ordinance modifications.
N.3., File # 22-4697 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
COORDINATION
This item was prepared in coordination with the City Manager’s Office, Police Department, Public Works Department, and Community Development Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
Preparation of this discussion item is within the annual budget of the coordinating Departments.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Administrative Report with attachments from June 12, 2018 City Council meeting available at <http://laserweb.redondo.org/weblink/0/doc/325213/Page1.aspx> · Assembly Bill 1346