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Woodside council hears heated debate over proposed ban on gas‑powered leaf blowers and rebate expansion
Summary
Council introduced a draft ordinance to ban gas‑powered leaf blowers with exceptions for parcels of 5+ acres and declared local emergencies, paired with an expanded electric gardening rebate; debate focused on noise vs. pollution, the 5‑acre cutoff, emergency and permit exceptions, equipment performance on large or redwood‑canopy properties, and enforcement. A council motion to replace the 5‑acre exemption with a $25 ministerial permit failed 3–3.
The Woodside Town Council took up an introduction of an ordinance to prohibit gas‑powered leaf blowers while expanding rebates for electric gardening equipment, triggering a lengthy public comment period and split council debate.
Staff presentation: Brandy (planning staff) told the council the draft ordinance (new code §94.06) mirrors state small off‑road engine rules and staff research into local exemptions. Staff proposed exempting parcels 5 acres or larger, adding a declared‑local‑emergency exception, and expanding a Peninsula Clean Energy grant‑funded rebate program administered with Acterra that would dedicate roughly 76% of the available grant funds to rebates and extend the program through June 30, 2025. Staff proposed an effective date for the ordinance…
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