New Ordinance Sets Leaf Blower Regulations in Somerville

The Somerville City Council has passed a new ordinance that sets guidelines for when and how leaf blowers may be used within the city. With the fall season now here, community members are urged to familiarize themselves with the new rules, which apply to all users including the City and City contractors, residents, commercial properties, and landscaping or property maintenance companies that deploy leaf blowers. A full copy of the ordinance and regulations can be found at somervillema.gov/leafblowers, but key provisions include:

• 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. Starting in early October, businesses can submit their operations plans through the City’s CitizenServe portal at somervillema.gov/citizenserve.
• Leaf blowers may 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 may not be used on Sundays or municipal holidays, with certain exceptions as outlined in the ordinance.
• When in use, leaf blowers should be set to the lowest setting needed to complete the job.

Violating the leaf blower ordinance could result in a fine of $300 per violation. Visit somervillema.gov/leafblowers to learn more about Somerville’s new leaf blower ordinance.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x 2250 or nbacci@somervillema.gov.