New Canaan committee weighs seasonal ban on gas leaf blowers, debates whether to allow electric models

A New Canaan Town Council bylaws and ordinances subcommittee on Sept. 29 reviewed a draft ordinance intended to curb summer use of leaf blowers and reduce noise and air pollution across the town.

The draft, prepared by Council member Hillary Arman, would set a summer season for restrictions and in its original form prohibits both gas and electric leaf blowers during that period. Arman said the language was drawn from a survey of ordinances in comparable towns and is intended to protect public health, tranquility and property values. “It is the intent of this ordinance to set specific controls on the use of leaf blowers, in particular gas powered leaf blowers,” she said while presenting the proposal.

Why it matters: dozens of residents who spoke during the meeting urged the committee to act, citing noise, health concerns and the town’s competitiveness in attracting residents. “New Canaan competes for residents,” said Robin Friar during public comment, arguing that neighboring towns’ ordinances factor into homebuyers’ decisions. Several speakers cited health impacts and proposed nonpunitive transition tools such as incentives or buyback programs for landscapers.

What the committee debated: members split over scope and enforcement. Some favored a targeted ban on gas-powered blowers—citing fumes and the incentive such a ban would create for switching to quieter electric equipment—while others warned that multiple electric units used simultaneously can still be disruptive and that banning electric models would simplify enforcement. One compromise the committee discussed would ban gas blowers for the summer while allowing electric models only during a shortened daily window (members referenced a proposal of Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday/Sunday noon–4 p.m.) and prohibiting use on major holidays.

Exceptions and practicalities occupied much of the discussion. Committee members asked whether to exempt large properties, country clubs, schools, parks, municipal fields or the public works department, and whether emergency, storm cleanup or utility-response work should remain exempt. Arman said the draft currently lists emergency, storm cleanup and utility use among exceptions and that she is open to refining exemptions and phasing municipal compliance to ease cost impacts.

Enforcement and penalties: the draft recommends a phased enforcement approach—education and warning in year one, with fines beginning later. The proposed penalty structure discussed at the meeting was a written warning for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and a statutory-maximum amount thereafter (committee discussion referenced state statute limits). Members noted the New Canaan Police Department signaled it would not prioritize enforcement and discussed alternatives used by other towns—code enforcement officers, building-department staff, or a designated town enforcement officer—and an online reporting tool to trigger administrative warnings.

Public outreach: committee members and commenters urged broad public education before implementation. Suggestions included using the town’s Everbridge/email system, the first selectman’s newsletter, Channel 79, the New Canaanite and conservation-commission materials, plus direct outreach to landscapers about incentives and timing.

Next steps: Arman said she will revise the draft to reflect the meeting’s comments (dates, exceptions, hours and enforcement language, and Eric Thunam’s suggested edits) and circulate it to the committee. No formal vote was taken; the committee adjourned after approving a motion to end the meeting.

What comes next: the revised ordinance would return to the bylaws and ordinances committee and, if forwarded, go to the full Town Council for further review and possible adoption. Arman and others said any enforcement regime would include an education period and town communication ahead of an effective date to give residents and landscapers time to adjust.