Gas-powered leaf blowers create large amounts of noise and air pollution. Running a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour emits more air pollution than driving a Toyota Camry for 1,000 miles! The loud engine noise increases risk of hearing loss for operators. The engine fumes and the particulate matter blown around by leaf blowers increases risk of respiratory illness and other health complications.

To address these concerns and improve community health, Glendale’s City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Now, only electric leaf blowers, whether battery operated or plug-in, are permitted for use in Glendale.

Ordinance Overview and Enforcement

From September 2023 onwards, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited in Glendale. No agent or person is permitted to use a gas-powered leaf blower. Property owners and homeowners are held responsible for compliance and will receive citations for violations, even if they are not the person using a gas-powered leaf blower on their property. Landscapers will not be cited.

Enforcement and citations are scheduled to begin September 2024. The citations and fees follow:

• A written warning notice containing a request for voluntary compliance. 
• If the property owner does not voluntarily comply within 30 days, the first violation is a $100 administrative fine. 
• The second violation is a $200 administrative fine. 
• The third violation is a $500 administrative fine.

Violations can be reported to the City of Glendale’s Code Compliance team at 818 548 3700.

Alternatives to Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

• Electric leaf blowers
• Sweeping or raking
• Lawn sweeper or leaf collector (electric or push options)
• Keep the leaves which provide ground cover, mulch, and nutrients.

Check out this FREE Step-by-Step guide from our partner the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) on switching your business to battery technology.

Rebates and Incentives

Additional Information