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Dobbs Ferry board adopts ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, effective Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
After a public hearing and public support from Sustainable Dobbs and residents, the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt a local law prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers effective Jan. 1, 2026, with graduated fines and preservation of existing exemptions unless the board reopens the code for changes.
The Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to adopt a local law that will prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the village beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Mayor (name not stated) summarized the measure and its penalties, saying, “as of 01/01/2026, it will be illegal to use a gas powered leaf blower in Dobbs Ferry.” The law, as adopted, bars operation, use or permitting of gas-powered leaf blowers unless the board authorizes such use and establishes fines of $50 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for each subsequent violation within a 12-month period.
Village Clerk Liz Draper reviewed how the ordinance will be posted and enforced and clarified who is covered: the law’s definition of “person” includes property owners, tenants or occupants and landscape business owners or operators. Sustainable Dobbs chair Matthew Giorsey urged adoption and offered communications support; he urged the board to consider, later, a free registration program for landscapers so contractors acknowledge they have seen and understand the rules.
Public commenters supported the change. Resident Daniel Burgess (52 Lucerne Road) told trustees he backed the ban because “it’s great for the environment, it’s great for the peace and quiet of resident enjoyment,” and said landscapers he spoke with were preparing to use electric equipment.
Trustees debated enforcement and exemptions. Several trustees noted the village code already contains exemptions that allow municipal and school employees and golf-course operators to use gas-powered blowers within 100 feet of residences and in emergencies; the board said altering those exemptions would be a substantial change that requires another public hearing. Trustees also discussed how violations should be handled — whether reports should go to police or code-enforcement officers — and recommended bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach materials and yard signs to notify homeowners and contractors of the change.
The board closed the public hearing and approved the local law amending Chapter 234 of the Dobbs Ferry Village Code. The board recorded the adoption as unanimous.
