Leaf blowers and noise rules

Palo Alto is a quiet city by design. Its noise ordinance dates back decades. Since July 1, 2005 it has barred gas leaf blowers from residential neighborhoods. The drone of two-stroke engines never fully went away, so the city has pushed harder in recent years with flyers, warning letters and the prospect of citations for property owners. Its leaf blower page said fines could begin in early 2024.

This guide explains the leaf blower rules, the broader limits on noise from homes, businesses and construction and how to report a problem. It is based on the city's leaf blower page and its published copy of Municipal Code Chapter 9.10. Some provisions may have been amended since that copy was posted, so check the current code for anything you plan to rely on. For the leaf side of fall, see our street sweeping and leaf pickup guide.

The gas leaf blower ban

The rule is in section 9.10.060(f) of the municipal code. Gas-powered blowers, which the code calls internal combustion blowers, have been barred from residential zones since July 1, 2005. The city's leaf blower page sums it up in its title: gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in residential neighborhoods.

State law is moving the same way. The city notes that California's AB 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and string trimmers starting July 1, 2024. Older gas blowers can still be found, which is why the local rule still matters.

Who is responsible

The city's approach targets property owners, not just crews. Its flyer asks landscapers to switch to electric blowers and asks owners to provide an electric blower or a spare battery for their gardener. If you hire a gardening service, confirm in writing that it uses electric equipment at your property. The city says citations may be issued to property owners.

When blowers may run

Electric and battery blowers are allowed, but only at certain hours and below a noise rating.

The residential hours come from the city's current leaf blower page. The non-residential hours come from the city's published copy of the code. The code also allows limited early cleaning of business district streets, parking lots, the municipal golf course and city parks from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. with compliant blowers.

The noise rating

A blower must carry a manufacturer's label showing a rating of 65 decibels or less at 50 feet and it must be run with its mufflers and full-length tubes. The city's page notes that the model number often shows the noise level. Check the label before you buy.

Holidays

The published noise code defines holidays as New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Leaf blowers and construction are off limits on those days. Our holiday closures guide lists the dates for the coming months.

The general noise limits

Beyond leaf blowers, Chapter 9.10 sets limits measured against the local ambient noise level, meaning the usual background sound in the area. According to the city's published copy:

• Residential property. Noise may not exceed the local ambient by more than 6 decibels at any point outside the property line.
• Commercial and industrial property. The limit is 8 decibels above ambient.
• Public property. The limit is 15 decibels above ambient at 25 feet or more.

Apartments have a separate interior limit, measured inside a neighboring unit with windows and doors closed. There is also a daytime allowance: sources at or below 70 dBA at 25 feet are exempt from those limits from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. Emergencies are exempt from the whole chapter.

Power tools and yard equipment

Homeowners using powered equipment such as mowers, saws and hedge trimmers have their own hours under section 9.10.060(e) of the published code:

• Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Each piece of equipment must stay at or below 95 dBA at 25 feet. These hours cover home and garden chores. They do not cover construction, which has stricter rules.

Construction hours

Construction noise is the most common neighborhood complaint in a city where remodels and rebuilds are constant. The published code sets the same hours for residential and non-residential sites:

No single piece of equipment may exceed 110 dBA at 25 feet and noise at the property line is capped at the same level. Sites with permits must post a sign listing the allowed hours. Individual permits can carry tighter conditions. If you are planning a project, our building permits guide explains the process. The city can also grant temporary exception permits when strict compliance is impractical.

Early trucks and sweepers

Some city services run outside these hours by design. The published code allows refuse collection from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. and street and parking lot sweeping at night within noise caps. That is why you may hear a garbage truck at dawn. Our trash and recycling guide covers pickup.

Reporting a problem

Start with a neighborly conversation if you can. Many landscapers simply do not know the rules or which blower the owner expects them to use. If that fails:

1. Leaf blowers. Report through the Palo Alto 311 app or call Code Enforcement at (650) 329-2605. Include the address, the day of the week and the time. The city sends a warning first and cites only if an officer confirms a violation on a follow-up visit.
2. Construction outside hours. Report through Palo Alto 311 with the address and time. Photos of the posted permit sign help.
3. Loud parties and late-night noise. Call the 24-hour police dispatch line at (650) 329-2413. Our police and fire guide lists other numbers.

Violating the leaf blower or homeowner power equipment rules is an infraction under the published code. Other violations of the noise chapter are misdemeanors. The city's page does not list fine amounts for leaf blowers.

Neighborhood associations sometimes ask the city to send staff to explain the leaf blower rules at a meeting. The city's page has a request form and asks for at least three weeks' notice. Our city government guide explains how to raise broader concerns with the council.

Switching to quieter equipment

Most homeowners can replace a gas blower with a battery model, or skip the blower and use a rake. Leaves raked into the green cart are compost. Blowing them into the street is a code violation. Professional crews face higher costs to switch. The city points small landscaping businesses to California CORE, a state program that has offered discounts on commercial electric landscaping equipment for a limited time. Check the program's site for what is available now.

A quieter yard also matters for wildlife. Our birdwatching guide covers the birds that share Palo Alto's gardens and street trees.

Frequently asked questions