In December 2023, the City of Ann Arbor enacted a new citywide requirement to phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers will lead to cleaner air, improved community health, less noise pollution, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the new restrictions?
Summer ban: The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited in Ann Arbor from June 1 to September 30. Electric leaf blowers may be used during this time.
Seasonal use and phase-out: The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is permitted from October 1 to May 30 through 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028 the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited at all times in Ann Arbor.
The phase-out does not apply to electric leaf blowers. Electric leaf blowers are permitted in the city.
General Restrictions: It is prohibited to blow or sweep debris, trash, leaves, plant clippings, or yard waste into a neighboring property, street, sidewalk, drain, or public right-of-way.
Exceptions:
- Any leaf blower may be used at any time:
- In an emergency to protect health, safety, or property; or
- To restore property immediately after an emergency, such as to clear a walkway, driveway, or street from debris following a storm or other natural disaster.
- Any leaf blower may be used in street, sidewalk, or other paving construction or repair at any time when such work is otherwise permitted.
- Turbine blowers may be used at any time of year, and leaf blowers may be used when necessary to prepare recreational facilities for use, such as golf courses or playing fields, or to maintain public facilities.
Penalties: Violations on this ordinance will result in a civil fine of at least $100 for a first offence and at least $250 for a subsequent offense. The fine may be issued to individual operators or their employer.
Read the full ordinance.
Why phase-out gas-powered leaf blowers?
Health benefits:
Gas-burning leaf blowers release harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, and fine particulate pollution. Exposure to these pollutants increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impacts, and respiratory disease.
Fewer emissions:
Electric leaf blowers do not release harmful greenhouse gases like those produced by gas-burning leaf blowers. Using a gas leaf blower for one hour can emit the same amount of greenhouse gases as driving a car over 1000 miles.
Noise:
Gas-powered leaf blowers can operate as loud as 100 decibels which can cause hearing damage and stress from noise pollution. That is almost as loud as a jet flyover at a sporting event. Electric leaf blowers operate more quietly between 60 to 70 decibels.
Cleaner environment:
Spills are common when refueling gas-powered leaf blowers. Fuel spills seep into soil and can enter groundwater and waterways.
Convenience:
Electric leaf blowers have fewer moving parts that can break, are lighter than gas-powered counterparts. They can also turn on and off with the press of a button.
Alternatives to gas-powered leaf blowers
Go electric:
Electric leaf blowers are
healthy alternatives to their gas-burning counterparts and are widely available. The Office of Sustainability and Innovations will launch resources to help lower the cost of transitioning to electric leaf blowers by December 2024.
Skip the leaf blower:
Rather than using a leaf blower, clear sidewalks and driveways using a broom or rake. Or, mulch leaves and leave them to improve the health of lawns and improve biodiversity.
Learn more about Pollinator-Aware Lawn Care here.
What is coming next?
The City of Ann Arbor will launch resources to help lower the cost of transitioning to electric leaf blowers for residents and commercial business owners by the end of 2024.
Download the file here:
Gas Leaf Blower Ordinance_Summary Information
