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Leaves

Leaf Blower Permit

License Commission

Cambridge has a City ordinance governing all leaf blower use in the city (Cambridge Municipal Code Section 8.16.081). This ordinance designates specific dates and times when leaf blowers may and may not be used, sets operational requirements for equipment, contractors, and large property owners in order to balance the benefits and drawbacks of Leaf Blower use.

Click Here to Apply Online for a Leaf Blower Permit

Permitted Leaf Blower List 2024 

Regulations:

Leaf Blower Regulations - English (Updated 09/2016)
Leaf Blower Regulations - Spanish (Updated 09/2016)
Leaf Blower Regulations - Portuguese (Updated 02/2019)

For additional information regarding Leaf Blowers please follow the link below:

Cambridge Department of Public Works Leaf Blowing Page

Definition of Leaf Blower:

A "leaf blower" is any portable, handheld or backpack-style power equipment, powered by fuel or electricity, and used in landscape or property maintenance for blowing, removing or redistributing leaves, dust, dirt, clippings, litter and any other debris.

What equipment is permissible?

The Ordinance seeks to address concerns about air quality and noise produced by leaf blowers. As such, leaf blowers must meet current EPA emissions standards and the sound they emit cannot exceed 65 decibels (per manufacturer’s rating).
 
Only one leaf blower may be used in parcels of 10,000 square feet or smaller. Larger parcels may only use one leaf blower within each 10,000 square foot area.

When can leaf blowers legally operate?

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 Indigenous Peoples' 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.
Indigenous Peoples' Day: 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Veteran’s Day: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Who does the Leafblower ordinance apply to?

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.

Page was last modified on 3/15/2024 10:37 AM
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