Council Moves Closer to Leaf Blower Ordinance

City Council members found common ground with Bay Area Gardeners Association (BAGA) and Citizens Environmental Council (CEC) representatives, as well as each other, regarding leaf blowers Tuesday, on which staff will base an ordinance governing the use of the tools in Burlingame.

Using the proposed changes reached by a subcommittee of Vice Mayor Ann Keighran and Councilmember Terry Nagel in discussions with BAGA and CEC members, the council agreed on elements they would like to see in a leaf blower ordinance.

The subcommittee was appointed in August 2011 following concerns from residents and gardeners over a proposed ordinance banning gasoline powered leaf blowers. While some residents and members of the CEC, who first proposed a ban in March, argued for the health and noise benefits eliminating these blowers would provide, many residents felt the rule would target and hurt gardeners, a sentiment echoed by many gardening professionals.

“When I first heard about this, I didn’t really understand what the big concern was,” said Nagel, noting she has since learned about the health and noise concerns leaf blowers raise. “This is something we really need to address…we need to find middle ground.”

The initial proposal called for dividing residential Burlingame into three areas, each of which would have an assigned day on which gardeners could use leaf blowers in the area between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Councilmembers revisited this point, noting that multi-dwelling units might need leaf blower use an additional day a week to prevent debris build up, which could create a hazard for those living in apartment buildings.

“I think it brings up a liability issue,” said Vice Mayor Ann Keighran. “I still think it’s a big compromise to go from seven days a week to two days a week.”

Councilmembers determined they would like these areas to have leaf blower access Tuesday and Friday, with other residential areas assigned either Tuesday, Thursday or Friday use, creating dedicated leaf-blower-noise-and-pollution-free days.

While the subcommittee recommendations allow for residents using their own leaf blowers on weekend mornings, the council agreed to revise the rules for individual homeowners, allowing them to use their blowers at any time, since they tend to be smaller and quieter than those used by professionals.

City Manager Jim Nantell agreed to reach out to schools and churches regarding whether they should follow the once-a-week model depending on their location or the 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekday time allowance used by city gardeners.

Additionally, councilmembers decided if residents complains about inappropriate leaf blower use by a neighbor, they must be willing to identify themselves, ideally with neighbors feeling comfortable enough to discuss the issue with each other.

“If neighbors feel that strongly, they should talk to their neighbors,” said Keighran. “We’re a community.”

While councilmembers agreed with the subcommittee recommendation of requiring certification designating leaf blowers of no more than 65 decibels at $25 per test, they decided certification would be free for gardeners with newer models known to not exceed 65 decibels. BAGA representatives strongly supported the certification program.

“It’s really helpful to have industry in the room,” said Councilmember Michael Brownrigg. “We are regulating, but that’s what government does…you try to make the least number of people unhappy.”

The subcommittee further recommended educational outreach on sustainable gardening options, creating a flyer for violating neighbors, spelling out an enforcement system and arranging a gas versus electric leaf blower demonstration.