Orange Municipal Code Ch. 8.26 Leaf Blowers

This chapter is intended to provide regulation of leaf blower operations in order to control unnecessary and excessive noise, airborne dust, and the blowing of debris onto adjacent property and public right-of-way.

(Ord. 2-93)

"Leaf blower"

means any portable power equipment used to generate a stream of air for the purpose of blowing leaves, dirt, dust, grass clippings, tree and shrub trimmings, trash or other debris from sidewalks, driveways, lawns or other surfaces or to apply landscape chemicals.

"Parcel"

means a unit of land shown as a separate parcel on the latest equalized assessment roll. Contiguous parcels owned by the same individual entity shall be considered one parcel for the purposes of this chapter.

"Residential area"

means any property zoned for residential use as provided for in Title 17 of this code. Sidewalks and streets adjacent to residential property shall be considered a residential area for purposes of this chapter.

(Ord. 2-93)

The following operations are prohibited in all residential areas of the City:

A. Leaf blower use in any residential area except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays and Federal holidays.

B. Operation of more than one leaf blower at a time on any parcel of less than one half acre in area.

C. Leaf blower operation exceeding 15 minutes per hour on parcels one half acre or less in area, or 30 minutes per hour on parcels greater than one half acre in area.

D. Operating a leaf blower within 10 feet of any window, door, or mechanical air intake opening or duct on neighboring properties.

E. Operating a blower in such a manner as to blow dirt, dust, debris, leaves, grass clippings, tree and shrub trimmings or trash onto any adjacent property, including without limitations, and public property, street or sidewalk. Any leaf blower debris deposits shall be collected and disposed of in a sanitary manner on the same day it was deposited.

F. Operation of a leaf blower which produces more than 70 decibels dB(a) measured at a horizontal distance of 50 feet.

(Ord. 2-93)

Any violation of this chapter is considered an infraction punishable as prescribed by Section 1.08.010 of this code. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

(Ord. 2-93)