Leaf Blower Discussion Moves Forward

The latest development in the nine-month leaf blower ban debate comes to Burlingame residents Tuesday in the form of a study session. The study session will focus on the recommendations determined by the leaf blower ordinance subcommittee composed of councilmembers Terry Nagel and Ann Keighran.

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 Citizens Environmental Council, 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.

“These guys work hard; you’re going to damage business in this city at a critical time when people are trying to find work,” said resident Steven Finnie in August. “They’re no louder than the street sweeper when he goes by [or glass thrown in recycling trucks at 5 a.m.], but we’re worried about these guys at three in the afternoon. I think it’s anti-business, and I think it’s elitist.”

Nagel and Keighran met with members of the Citizens Environmental Council and Bay Area Gardeners Association (BAGA) and shared ideas and feedback over the past several months.

“Whether it is the health of Burlingame citizens and gardeners, the pollution of our city’s air [or] the noise in our streets…the city of Burlingame wants meaningful change,” said JoAnneh Nagler, of the Citizens Environmental Council, said in August. “A collaborative solution that speaks to everyone’s needs can be found.”

Taking these discussions into consideration, the subcommittee suggests breaking Burlingame into four areas, each of which has different leaf blower allotted time, so as to reduce the number of days residents must withstand leaf blower noise while allowing plenty of time for gardeners to reach all their clients. Additionally, the committee recommends banning commercial gardening on weekends.

For those who do their own gardening, their suggested leaf blower usage time is Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to staff documentation, the subcommittee composed further suggestions, as well:

1. Require gardeners to use leaf blowers of no more than 65 decibels and to have them certified by the city. The suggestion is that the testing for certification would be done at the Public Works Auto Shop (on 1361 N. Carolan Ave.)  It is also suggested that large stickers be affixed to certified blowers so neighbors can see them from across the street.  The recommended cost would be $25 per testing appointment for up to five leaf blowers. 
2. Spell out our "enforcement upon complaint" policy, and include the expectation that the police/code enforcement would be responding within a period of several days, not immediately. We would give warnings before imposing any penalties.
3. Develop a download-able flyer, in English and Spanish, that residents can use to approach violating neighbors or gardeners (i.e., non-confrontational approach)
4. Use an educational outreach approach to inform gardeners and property owners of the sustainable, healthier, non-gas powered options for moving debris and gardening.
5. Invite residents to ask their gardeners for estimates of doing their yards with rakes and brooms or some of the new vacuums and leaf sweepers; make "Sustainable Garden" signs available to homeowners who choose green options.
6. Arrange for a demonstration of gas vs. electric leaf blowers and some of the new sustainable equipment.

City staff reviewed the recommendations and provided the following alternatives for consideration:

1.  Rather than require all leaf blowers to be certified, enforce the decibel level requirements by exception.  Only require gardeners whose leaf blowers have received complaints regarding noise levels to have the leaf blower tested.  Staff suspects that would be very few leaf blowers.
2.  If the Council wants to go forward with the certification approach staff suggest we attempt to find local lawn and garden equipment repair shops that we could contract with to do the testing.  

The Study Session takes place in the Lane Community Room of the at 6 p.m.