Dobbs Ferry removes exemptions to gas-powered leaf blower ban after public hearing

Dobbs Ferry trustees on March 24 adopted a local law amending chapter 234 of the village code to eliminate earlier exemptions to the villages ban on gas-powered leaf blowers and to tighten several noise-provision details, including outdoor restaurant noise hours and limits on weekend construction blasting.

At a public hearing that drew residents, sustainability advocates and landscaping representatives, Village Administrator Rob explained the change as a clarification that removes carve-outs that previously applied to the village, the school district and the golf course and brings enforcement and expectations in alignment across property types.

"It tightens up and clarifies the language in terms of the actual delivery of prior written notice," Rob said, explaining the law will centralize complaint intake through the clerks office and make procedures easier for residents and staff. He told the board the change aligns Dobbs Ferry with neighboring municipalities that have taken similar steps.

Opponents urged limited seasonal exemptions. Laura Rosa, president of the Board of Village Green condominium association, said landscapers need a short window after winter and in the fall to clear heavy, wet debris and that battery-powered blowers she had seen did not perform to professional standards. "They're not at all professional," Rosa said, adding she supplied a letter from her landscaper and requested it be entered into the record.

Supporters pointed to quieter streets and reduced pollution. Susan Gilbert of Sustainable Dobs said the reduction in noise since the original ban has been "lovely" and called removing exemptions preferable to a patchwork of rules that confuses landscapers. "Large properties are being maintained with other equipment, including electric equipment," Gilbert said.

An online commenter, Tan Gulick, disputed claims that professional-grade electric equipment is prohibitively expensive, saying that starter professional electric setups with extra batteries typically cost about $900 to $1,400 and advising trustees to scrutinize pushback from crews invested in gas equipment.

Trustees discussed outreach and compliance steps. One trustee asked that the village administrator personally notify the school district, the golf course and other large-property operators so they understand the change and the transition plan. The board voted to adopt the amendment; the motion carried with all present voting in favor.

The law takes effect as adopted; trustees said staff will publicize the change, post information on the village website and provide guidance to landscapers and property managers.

The board also received related public comments on streetscape safety and other agenda items during the meeting; the leaf blower law was the principal topic of the evenings public hearings.