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Millbrae council delays vote on ordinance phasing out gas-powered blowers, citing need for community outreach
Summary
The Millbrae City Council voted 3-2 to continue the second reading of an ordinance (Chapter 5.135) that would phase out gas-powered leaf blowers, postponing final action to allow more public outreach and a town hall by a councilmember.
The Millbrae City Council voted 3-2 on Dec. 3 to continue the second reading of an ordinance that would add Chapter 5.135 to the Millbrae Municipal Code to restrict gas-powered lawn and landscape equipment.
A councilmember who introduced the continuation motion said they had heard significant resident concern and asked for time to hold a town hall and gather more public feedback before the council took final action. The mover said the delay would allow staff to collect implementation details and allow residents and businesses more time to prepare.
The city manager told the council the item is on its second reading; if adopted the ordinance would take effect 30 days after adoption. Supporters of immediate adoption pointed to state trends restricting two-stroke gas engines and said Millbrae’s approach includes an education period and rebate program to help landscapers and residents transition to electric equipment. One councilmember who urged approval said rebates and an education window would reduce business impact and improve local air quality.
The 3-2 vote to continue followed an unsuccessful substitute motion to waive the second reading and adopt the ordinance immediately. On the final continuation vote, Councilmember Newen and Councilmember Riley and Mayor Fung voted to continue; Councilmember Snyder and Vice Mayor Pappin dissented. No adoption occurred at the meeting; the ordinance remains pending further public outreach and staff follow-up.
Council members debated enforcement and timeline. City staff said distinguishing gas equipment from electric equipment is straightforward for enforcement, while noise-level enforcement would be more complex. Council members also referenced an existing rebate program for landscaping professionals and residents; the council did not provide details of rebate amounts during the meeting.
What happens next: the council’s vote to continue keeps the item on the agenda for a later meeting after additional community outreach, including the town hall the mover proposed. Council members noted there is roughly seven months for outreach and education before the ordinance’s planned effective date mentioned during discussion.
