In response to the community’s desire to balance the benefits and drawbacks of leaf blowers, the Cambridge City Council enacted an ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Section 8.16.081, effective March 1, 2008) that governs the operation of this equipment.

This Ordinance applies to all residents, businesses, and property owners in Cambridge. However, commercial operators and large property owners should be aware of particular sections that apply only to them.

Commercial operators (any entity or organization that employs 2 or more employees, excluding municipal operators and contractors) are prohibited from use of leaf blower equipment unless they submit an operations plan, which is approved by the City Manager.

Owners of large properties may be eligible for an exemption to operate leaf blowers during summer months and on Sundays and Holidays under certain circumstances.

The following schedule has been developed in consideration of both landscaping needs and neighborhood quality of life.

Dates Permitted
March 15 – June 15;
September 15 – December 31

Dates Prohibited
January 1 – March 14;
June 16 – September 14;
all Sundays and Legal holidays, except for Columbus Day and Veterans Day

Hours of Use (during permitted dates)
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Columbus Day: 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Veteran’s Day: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please consider the following guidelines before operating a leaf blower

• Be safe
  • Always use ear, eye, and respiratory protection.
  • Avoid leaf blowing near others, particularly children. Remember: for many people, dust and debris can trigger allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illness.
• Be considerate
  • Talk to your neighbors about your maintenance plans, and try to balance those with their need for quiet time.
  • Do not blow toward open windows or doors. If possible, do not use within 10 feet of windows or doors.
  • Do not blow debris onto adjacent property, the street, catch basins, gutters, vehicles, people or pets.
• Use the right tools for the right job
  • Do not use blower to move large mounds of debris.
  • Do not use for construction dust, plaster dust, or dry soil. Spray dusty areas with water before using blower.
  • Use rakes or brooms for heavier debris and to loosen debris from corners and edges.
• Operate efficiently
  • Use the lowest possible speed/throttle to accomplish task.
  • Use the full nozzle extension so that the air stream can work close to the ground.

Click here to view a more extensive list of best practices.

Please contact the City Manager’s Office at 617-349-4300 leafblowers@cambridgema.gov.