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Council introduces bill to remove photo requirement for gas-powered leaf blower complaints
Summary
Montgomery County Council on Sept. 30 introduced Expedited Bill 30-25 to change enforcement procedures for noise from leaf removal equipment by removing a requirement that neighbors provide photographs to support complaints; a public hearing is set for Oct. 21, 2025.
Montgomery County Council members introduced Expedited Bill 30-25 on Sept. 30 to revise noise-control enforcement procedures for leaf removal equipment, removing a requirement that complainants supply photographs of alleged violations. The council set a public hearing on the bill for Oct. 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Office Building.
The Transportation and Environment Committee’s chair, Chair Glass, said the change responds to concerns about asking neighbors to photograph landscapers and other workers. “When the county executive first introduced legislation to prohibit the use and sale of gas powered leaf blowers, the enforcement mechanism was to have neighbors take photos of the incidents taking place,” Chair Glass said. “We know that a large number of individuals who operate and do lawn care in our community are Latino and immigrant individuals. And in this era of Donald Trump, we should not be encouraging people to take photographs of their neighbors doing their work, supporting our community, and being neighbors.”
Council staff member Ms. McCartney Green told the council the revised language removes the photo requirement and "simplifies the process for a single complaint to file, a noise violation." Councilmember Albanese said he appreciated the committee’s work and asked the council to move quickly because leaves are beginning to fall and landscaping activity will increase.
Several council members asked to be added as cosponsors during the introduction. The lead sponsors named at introduction were Chair Glass, Council President Stewart, Councilmember Balcom and Councilmember Albanese; colleagues who asked to be added included Councilmember Lukey, Councilmember Katz, Councilmember Sayles, Councilmember Sales, Councilmember Fanny Gonzalez and Councilmember Friedson. The bill was introduced; no final action was taken on Sept. 30.
The council will accept public testimony at the Oct. 21 hearing; the council’s announcement said anyone wishing to testify must register in advance via the council website or by phone.
