Gas Leaf Blowers Now Banned In City Of Annapolis Residential Areas

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the City of Annapolis' residential areas took effect on New Year's Day 2025. City residents must now use electric blowers, which are quieter and have less emissions.

The measure was part of a noise ordinance passed in February 2024.

A city press release said gas blowers have noise levels between 70 and 100 decibels at the operator's ear, while electric leaf blowers emit between 60 and 70 decibels. Every increase of 10 decibels is equal to a 10-fold, or an exponential increase, in sound.

The city's press release said, "The type of noise emitted by gas-powered leaf blowers travels long distances and penetrates exterior walls of buildings, while battery-powered blowers are much less harmful."

Officials also said electric blowers have comparable prices to their gas counterparts, but they don't carry the repeated cost of fuel.

Gas blowers can still be bought and sold in Annapolis. Commercial landscapers can't use gas blowers in residential areas, however.

"This legislation is another step Annapolis is taking to protect the health of City residents, workers and the environment," Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said in the September 2024 press release. "Annapolis is joining the more than 100 other cities that have banned or restricted this major source of air pollution."

Violations could result in fines, but police are prioritizing education over enforcement. Fines are $100 for first offenses and $200 for subsequent infractions.

"This is a quality of life issue that is building throughout communities across the country. Annapolis is stepping up its commitment to be cleaner, healthier, and quieter," Jacqueline Guild, Annapolis deputy city manager for resilience and sustainability, said in the release.

Other residents aren't on board.

Annapolitan Kirby McAdoo started a petition against the ban in late 2024.

"As a city of Annapolis resident who takes pride in lawn aesthetics and supports the prosperity of local small businesses, I am deeply concerned by the seemingly hasty decision of the Annapolis City Council to ban gas-powered leaf blowers," McAdoo said on the petition posted on Change.org. "This action is allegedly justified as a noise ordinance, but Alderman Savidge admitted it is truly designed for environmental regulation. However, our city council did not adequately consider all relevant aspects and presented a lack of comprehensive research before imposing this legislation."

The petition had 343 signatures as of 4:50 p.m. Thursday.

"Not only does this ordinance inflict burdening costs on small landscaping businesses, but the equipment technology advancements also fall short of meeting the necessary standards for an environmentally friendlier alternative," McAdoo wrote. "This also significantly impacts numerous residents who are used to maintaining the beauty of their surrounding environment with these tools."

The Baltimore Banner said a similar Anne Arundel County Council bill was introduced in July 2024 to ban gas blowers, but it was quickly withdrawn after business pushback.

More information on the ban is posted at annapolis.gov/2184/Go-Electric-Leaf-Blower-Policy.

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