Alexandria council introduces ordinance to phase out gas‑powered leaf blowers; sets public hearing

City Council introduced a change to the noise code to phase out the use of gas‑powered leaf blowers across Alexandria and set a public hearing and final passage for May 17, 2025.

The presentation was made by Jesse Mains, stormwater management division chief in Transportation and Environmental Services, accompanied by Melissa Atwood, senior environmental specialist. Mains summarized staff’s request: “the staff request is to consider the noise code amendments to phase out or ban the use of gas powered leaf blowers.” He told council staff initially recommended a two‑year phase‑out but explained that council could amend the timeline.

Why it matters: staff cited noise and air pollution as the principal concerns. Mains cited studies noting electric units are quieter and that gas blowers emit volatile organic compounds that contribute to smog, local air pollution and Chesapeake Bay nutrient loads. He also described hearing quality‑of‑life complaints and operator‑health concerns for workers exposed to blower emissions and noise for long periods.

Outreach and business feedback Staff contacted 57 licensed landscaping businesses by phone and email and received 12 business responses, Mains said. He described the range of concerns raised by the landscaping community: upfront replacement costs, battery life and charging logistics, and potential operational changes that could require more workers or longer job times. Businesses estimated transition costs in comments submitted by a wide range — from roughly $3,600 for very small operators to a high‑end estimate around $100,000 for larger firms; staff did not independently verify each self‑reported number.

Staff recommendations and council action Mains said his team recommended a full ban with a two‑year phase‑out; the staff memo also recommended the city lead by example with a one‑year city‑operations phase‑out and proposed additional budgeted support. Councilman John Taylor Chapman moved to introduce the ordinance with an 18‑month phase‑out for the community and to set the public hearing for Saturday, May 17, 2025. Councilwoman Green seconded the motion.

Council discussion focused on timelines, small‑business impacts and possible incentives to ease transition. Vice Mayor Bagley and other council members said they supported an accelerated schedule and asked staff to evaluate bulk purchasing, rebate or voucher programs and other incentives. Council members also noted other jurisdictions have enacted bans and that battery technology and vendor experience are improving.

Budget and enforcement Mains told council the FY2026 budget includes funding for city transition and an additional noise inspector to support enforcement; staff said the city would explore incentive options over the summer if council desired them. Mains also reported the city attorney had reviewed the authority to act and the attorney general’s opinion supports local regulation under the cited city code provision.

Vote and next steps The council voted to introduce the ordinance with an 18‑month phase‑out; the item was scheduled for public hearing and final passage on May 17, 2025. City staff will return with additional detail on incentives, procurement options and operational impacts as the ordinance moves through public hearing.