REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Leaf Blower Study and Findings (Study Issue ESD 14-01)
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Leaf blowers are commonly used to maintain landscape and hardscape by property owners or maintenance professionals. While they serve as a convenient tool for the quick removal of leaves and debris, they are also a source of air and noise pollution within the City and a minor contributor to climate change. Many communities have taken actions to restrict the use of leaf blowers ranging from banning gas-powered blowers either citywide or in specific areas to specifying allowable operating times or requiring training and certification of operators.
This Study Issue examines local concerns about leaf blower use in Sunnyvale, a review of actions taken in other communities, available alternatives, and impacts of potential actions.
Many community members have strong opinions about leaf blowers, either in support or opposition of their use. Gas-powered leaf blowers, especially older models, can be particularly noisy and highly polluting on a per-minute basis. Electric leaf blowers on the market today are quieter but have limiting factors including the need to be connected to an outlet, short battery life, and less power compared to gas-powered blowers. Because of these factors, electric leaf blowers are more suitable for light-duty conditions (residential and smaller areas).
Staff recommends Alternative 3: Direct staff to incorporate public education to Sunnyvale residents and landscape professionals regarding the current Municipal Code restrictions related to leaf blower use and education to leaf blower operators on best practices into the City's environmental education efforts as allowed within existing resources and priorities.
The Sustainability Commission considered this issue on March 2, 2015.
The City Council is tentatively scheduled to consider this item on March 24, 2015.
BACKGROUND
Study Issue ESD 14-01...
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