Politics & Government

Next Phase Of Arlington Leaf Blower Ban Upcoming

The bylaw includes three phases, with the second taking effect next month.

Town Meeting voters passed the gradual ban in 2022.
Town Meeting voters passed the gradual ban in 2022. (Amber Fisher/Patch)

ARLINGTON, MA — The second phase of the town’s gas-powered leaf blower ban is slated to take effect on Saturday, March 15.

In 2022, Town Meeting voted in favor of a bylaw that would gradually eliminate the use of the device entirely. The first phase, which took effect on March 15 2023, introduced seasonal bans on commercial users of the leaf blowers. The upcoming phase will implement a permanent ban of commercial use, regardless of the season.

Currently, residents are permitted to use gas-powered leaf blowers on their own properties between March 15 and May 31, and Sept. 15 through Dec. 30. The weekday hours for use are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., while weekend and holiday hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The final phase of the bylaw is scheduled to take effect on March 15, 2026, in which the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be fully banned for both commercial and residential use.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.