Leaf Blower Regulations

In order to promote the health, safety, and comfort of its residents, the City of Somerville is implementing the following leaf blower regulations effective immediately.

When are residents and businesses allowed to use leaf blowers?

Leaf blowers can only be used March 15 through May 31 and October 1 through December 15 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Leaf blowers cannot be used on Sundays or legal holidays.

What does a business need to do to be allowed to use leaf blowers in Somerville?

Lawn care businesses that want to use leaf blowers in Somerville must submit an operations plan to the City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for approval before using leaf blowers. Operations plans must include:

• A written safety plan.
• An affidavit attesting that all employees have been trained on the provisions of the relevant Code and the Regulations. 
• An inventory of all leaf blowing equipment owned and used or to be used by the owner or operator, along with relevant specification sheets showing they comply with EPA emission standards and are rated by the manufacturer to be no greater than 65 decibels.

Starting in early-October, businesses can submit their operations plans through the City’s CitizenServe portal at somervillema.gov/CitizenServe. There is no fee for this.

What is the penalty for violating the ordinance?

Violating the leaf blower ordinance could result in a fine of $300 per violation.

How can I file a complaint about leaf blower noise?

Please contact 311 (617-666-3311 from outside of Somerville) to file a complaint. A 311 representative will submit a Construction or Industrial Noise Complaint report to ISD for any complaint related to the leaf blower regulations.