Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Enforcement Begins In Annapolis

Press release from the City of Annapolis:

ANNAPOLIS, MD — As of April 1, 2025, the City’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in residential areas of the City has gone into effect (Ordinance 28-23). The legislation, passed by the Annapolis City Council in 2024, is aimed at enhancing quality of life for residents by addressing a significant cause of noise and air pollution.

Before April 1, a grace period with warnings (instead of fines) was in effect and was the City’s primary response to complaints about the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. After April 1, fines may now be levied for non-compliance.

The ordinance sets new maximum decibel levels for different zoning districts. In residential areas, noise levels are restricted to a maximum of 65 decibels during daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and 55 decibels during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Office and mixed-use districts will have slightly higher thresholds, while commercial and industrial areas will be permitted the highest levels.

Electric leaf blowers are cheaper to operate, especially over time because they require less maintenance and remove the need to purchase fuel. Upfront costs of electric leaf blowers are on par with gas-powered.

Violations may result in municipal fines. Enforcement will be carried out by designated City officials, including inspectors with the Department of Planning and Zoning. Fines escalate for repeat offenders.

City officials ask that residents NOT confront leaf blower users for non-compliance and instead immediately report the violation (with information on the address, time, and offender) to sustainability@annapolis.gov.

For further information, visit Go Electric Leaf Blower Policy.

This press release was produced by the City of Annapolis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.