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Commission approves first reading to repeal town leaf-blower rule; asks staff to study uniform decibel standard
Summary
The commission voted to repeal the town's leaf-blower ordinance (Ordinance 4-03) and directed staff to research defensible decibel levels and whether other lawn equipment (mowers, hedge trimmers) should be covered in a consolidated noise ordinance; second reading scheduled for June.
The town commission voted on a first reading May 20 to adopt Ordinance 4-21, which repeals the existing leaf-blower ordinance (4-03). Commissioners discussed whether to replace piecemeal rules with a single, defensible decibel-based standard that would apply to leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, mowers and similar equipment.
Members asked staff and legal counsel to research precedents and statutory constraints and to identify a defensible decibel threshold before bringing back final language for second reading. Several commissioners and members of the public urged a uniform numerical standard rather than equipment-specific bans.
"If we're going to establish an allowable decibel level, it should restrict all lawn equipment," one resident said, suggesting a technology-neutral approach that measures sound, not fuel source.
The motion to approve first reading carried; staff will return in June with recommended language and legal background on what restrictions the town can defensibly adopt under state law.
