Palo Alto Regulates Blowers

As of Jan. 1, 2001, all commercial gardeners must be certified by the Palo Alto Police Department to operate any type of leaf blower. In a letter to Palo Alto residents posted on the city’s web site at www.city.palo-alto.ca.us/press/20001212.htm, Assistant Police Chief Lynne Johnson explained that the local police staff and representatives of the Bay Area Gardeners’ Association (BAGA) have been training, testing and certifying commercial gardeners during the last several months.

“Gardeners have been told that they can expect citations to be issued if they are found in violation of the ordinance,” said Johnson.

Blowers may be used in the city from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The use of any type of leaf blower by anyone, including residents, will be prohibited Sundays and holidays. The only exception allowed in the ordinance for the above hours of operation are city crews who are cleaning the municipal golf course, city parks, parking lots and business districts.

Additionally, any leaf blower not rated at 65 dBA may not be used by any person, including residents. Blowers must have certificates indicating their dBA rating. A list of leaf blowers that will meet this standard appears below. Police staff will not be taking sound meter readings, but will be checking to determine whether the blower is on the approved list.

List of approved blowers:

• Black and Decker BV2500 (blower/vacuum)
• Solo Model 470 Air Blower
• Craftsman Model 71796901
• Echo PB 46LN
• Echo PB 461LN
• Echo PB 261L
• Echo PB 231LN
• Stihl BGE 60 (electric)
• Stihl BGE 45
• Maruyama or Toro BP 6900