Leaf Blower Ordinance
To help decrease noise pollution and improve quality of life by limiting noise disturbances in Cupertino, the City Council passed an ordinance (Ordinance No. 21-2213) regulating noise emitted by leaf blowers on November 2, 2020, which only authorizes only the use of certified leaf blowers which emit noise less than 65dB. The new regulations will go into effect on November 6, 2022.
Please refer to CMC Section 10.48.010 and Section 10.48.051 and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of leaf blowers are permitted for use?
Any leaf blower with a noise level reading of 65 dBA or less, measured at 50 feet (“Certified leaf blowers”) is permitted for use in Cupertino. Gas-powered leaf blowers that meet this criterion must either be labeled with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard B175.2 sticker (pictured below) for gas leaf blowers or must be rated as such in product information specifications. An electric powered leaf blower must have this rating identified in its product information specifications.
Where can I buy Certified leaf blowers?
Many manufacturers make leaf blowers that comply with the city’s requirements and there are multiple options to purchase compliant equipment, at local garden and nursery centers, home improvement stores, or online.
What kind of leaf blower is not permitted?
Any leaf blower with a manufacture rating over 65 decibels (dBA) measured at 50 feet from the source may not be used.
Where in the City do these rules apply?
Use of a certified leaf blower will be required on all properties within the City of Cupertino.
When can leaf blowers be used?
Leaf blowing is considered a permitted landscape maintenance activity and may only occur during the following times:
| Location |
Weekday Hours |
Weekend and Holiday Hours |
| Public schools, public and private golf courses, and public facilities |
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| All others |
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
When do the new regulations go into effect?
Beginning November 6, 2022 all leaf blowers must comply with the City’s regulations.
Who do these rules apply to?
Any activity involving the use of leaf blowers must comply with these regulations.
My gardener uses his own leaf blower. What are my responsibilities?
Property owners are responsible for ensuring compliance of all activity on their property, including leaf blower use. Therefore, regardless of who is using the leaf blower, the property owner may be subject to penalties and fines for violations.
How do I report a violation?
Noise violations can be reported to Cupertino 311. If a violation is verified by Code Enforcement or City staff, a courtesy notice will be sent to the property owner. If subsequent violations are verified at the same location, the property owner may receive a citation.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
You can contact the City of Cupertino Planning Division by emailing planning@cupertino.gov or calling 408.777.3308.