Gas-powered leaf blowers are illegal in over 170 cities across the country because they are highly polluting, unhealthy, and noisy.

Gas-powered leaf blowers are bad for the environment and contribute to climate change. The California Air Resources Board states that by 2020, leaf blowers and other small gas engines will create more ozone pollution than all the cars in the state. For more information, please review this report by KQED News. Carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons escape in large quantities from the 2-stroke engines of gas-powered leaf blowers. Oxides and hydrocarbons contribute to smog formation.​​​​​​​

In a comparison with a Ford F-150 Raptor truck, the 2-stroke gas blower generated 23 times more carbon monoxide and nearly 300 times more non-methane hydrocarbons than the truck. https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/leaf-blowers-emissions-dirtier-than-high-performance-pick-up-trucks-says-edmunds-insidelinecom.html

California officials said that the contamination from running a top-selling leaf blower for just one hour matches the emissions from driving a 2016 Toyota Camry for 1,100 miles, the distance from Los Angeles to Denver. www.arb.ca.gov/msorog/offroad/sore/sm_en_fs.pdf

Gas-powered leaf blowers are unhealthy for everyone, particularly children, seniors, pets, wildlife and especially the operator. They generate two very significant health hazards: toxic emissions and particulate matter. The gas leaf blower 2-stroke engines disturb neighbors and disrupt our quiet neighborhoods. For more information, please take a look at this informative website.

Hydrocarbons can be carcinogens and nitrous oxides can cause acid rain. Health hazards of gas leaf blower use are documented by the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Bay Area Air Quality Management District and California Air Resources Board.

In addition to toxic emissions, leaf blowers blast particulate matter of fungi, pollen, spores, animal feces, pesticides, mold and more into the air. Exposure to particulate matter is an important contributing factor in hundreds of deaths in the Bay Area each year. (CAARB) Fine particulates measuring 2.5 microns and coarser materials measuring 10 microns are readily absorbed in the lungs. 2.5 microns can migrate hundreds of miles and stay in the air for days or weeks. Microns measuring 10 can travel up to 30 miles and stay aloft for hours. (USEPA)

Landscape experts advise: LEAVE THE LEAVES. Leaf blowers dry out garden soil, push mold, pollen, insect eggs, animal feces and more into the air and destroy habitats for wildlife. For more information, please read this informative article.

Let your gardener know about the ordinance. Purchase an electric blower and/or batteries for your gardener, or instruct that he/she use a rake and broom.

The use of gas leaf blowers is prohibited in Los Altos at any time. Fines for violations range from $100 to $500.

In 1991, Los Altos was the first city in the Bay Area to prohibit the use of gas leaf blowers. Recent changes to enforcement of this municipal code ordinance occurred in November 2022 when the responsibility for enforcement was moved from the Los Altos Police Department to the City staff. A new code enforcement officer was hired in April 2023. On July 11, 2023, the City Council approved a new “stand alone” ordinance (section 11.15) in the municipal code. The major change in the ordinance is to assign the responsibility of liability for the operation and use of a gas-powered leaf blower to the recorded property owner of the site where the violation has occurred.

You can help promote cleaner air in our community. Report the use of gas leaf blowers through the online complaint form, phone, or email.

Online: https://www.losaltosca.gov/developent-services-webform/online-codeenforcement-form

Email: codeenforcement@losaltosca.gov

Phone: (650) 947-2775