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Committee begins discussion of updated noise code, including limits on gas-powered leaf blowers
Summary
Members discussed modernizing Chapter 142 (noise), proposing seasonal limits on gas-powered leaf blowers while allowing electric units, updating decibel definitions, and addressing town equipment and commercial landscaper transitions; no public hearing was scheduled at this meeting.
Committee members discussed a proposed local law to modernize the town noise code, including a provision to limit gas-powered leaf blower use to a constrained fall season while permitting electric blowers for the remainder of the year.
A committee member summarized recommended changes to Chapter 142 to update obsolete references and decibel definitions and to add hours of operation. The proposed draft would allow fall use of gas-powered blowers when leaves are extensive, and otherwise favor electric equipment, with exceptions for emergency cleanup where the highway superintendent could grant a temporary suspension.
Members raised practical questions about enforcement and the town’s own use of gas-powered equipment. One member noted that while many residents already use electric blowers, commercial and municipal applications are more challenging and may require grants or phased transitions to replace equipment. Another committee member said towns in Downstate and Long Island had adopted similar rules without repeals.
No public hearing was scheduled; staff said the item remains tentative and the committee will keep the draft open for additional comment and edits before deciding whether to put it on a future public hearing agenda.
