Seasonal Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Now in Effect
BROOKLINE — The Brookline Department of Public Works Parks and Open Space Division wishes to remind the community that the Town’s Leaf Blower Bylaw is in effect from May 16 to Sept. 30, and only electric and battery-powered leaf blowers are permitted.
The bylaw regulates when gas-powered leaf blowers may be used, and the maximum decibel level allowed.
The goal is to eliminate the use of gas-powered leaf blowers outside of heavy leaf litter collection periods. The regulations are intended to support livable neighborhoods through greater compliance and improved enforcement.
Electric leaf blowers are permitted year-round during the specified hours. Gas-powered leaf blowers are allowed during the dates and times below:
Leaf blower noise levels should not exceed 67 decibels when measured at a distance of 50 feet. Parcels less than 7,500 square feet can have no more than two leaf blowers used simultaneously.
Town Meeting approved the current bylaw in 2016 in response to resident complaints and a moderator’s committee that studied the noise, health effects, environmental impacts, and efficacy of gasoline and battery-powered leaf blowers. A brochure that describes the bylaw can be found here.
“With the long days of summer still to come, so do the seasonal joys and challenges of gardens, lawns, and grounds maintenance. Our outdoor spaces (both public and private) have become even more critical in recent years as many relish that time to enjoy family, friends, and nature,” said Commissioner Erin Chute. “Adhering to the Leaf Blower Bylaw, written and adopted by Town residents, is important to help support quality of life, the environment, education, and work productivity.”
Unsanctioned use of leaf blowers can result in fines of up to $150 and are applied to both the property owner and, in cases where a contractor is performing the work, to the landscape company.
Town staff from the Police, Public Works, or Building Departments are often called to enforce leaf blower complaints. Complaints should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 617-879-4900 on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours, and on holidays and weekends, calls should be directed to the Police Department at 617-730-2222.
More information on the Leaf Blower Bylaw is available at brooklinema.gov/leafblower.
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