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San Mateo moves to ban gas leaf blowers, sets effective date and hours
Summary
The City Council introduced an ordinance to prohibit gas leaf blowers with an effective date of January 1, 2027, selected option 1 (retain existing residential hours) and added Juneteenth to the list of holidays; motion passed 5–0 with staff directed to run an outreach and education program ahead of enforcement.
San Mateo’s City Council on March 2 voted to introduce a citywide prohibition on gas leaf blowers and directed staff to begin outreach during a nine‑month transition period ahead of an effective date of January 1, 2027. Staff’s proposal (presented by sustainability analyst Andrea Chow) would amend San Mateo Municipal Code chapter 10.80; the draft ordinance also allows penalties to be assessed against gas‑leaf‑blower operators and the property owners who hire them.
Staff presented three hour‑of‑operation options for electric leaf‑blower use after the gas ban: option 1 retains existing residential hours (weekday and Saturday limits applied near residential zones), option 2 would apply a single citywide set of hours, and option 3 would be citywide but include carve‑outs for commercial, office, industrial and city‑owned properties. Council members favored starting with option 1 for clarity and to minimize business disruption; they also agreed to add Juneteenth to the list of holidays when leaf‑blower use is prohibited.
Public commenters supported a strong and enforceable ban, citing quieter neighborhoods, reduced air pollution and worker health concerns. Speakers pointed to Burlingame’s experience and urged courtesy notices and rebate programs so landscaping businesses and residents have time to transition. Staff said the city will prioritize education and outreach over the nine‑month transition and will issue courtesy notices and informational materials; enforcement would begin after the effective date, and staff will report back if substantial complaints warrant revisiting hours or scope.
After discussion, the council approved the staff recommendation (option 1) with the Juneteenth addition by roll call vote 5–0. Staff will finalize ordinance language, prepare an outreach plan including assistance information and rebate links, and return with any required administrative materials before the enforcement date.
The ordinance as introduced covers gas leaf blowers specifically; council members noted other noisy garden equipment remains subject to the city’s general noise ordinance and asked staff to monitor complaints and consider potential future expansion of rules to other equipment.
