City Prohibits Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Effective November 17, 2026 gas leaf blowers are prohibited within City Limits
On May 17, 2025, the Alexandria City Council adopted the ordinance to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers with an 18-month phase-out period.
Effective November 17, 2026, citations for use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be issued for residents and contractors.
The regulation will go into effect for City operations on May 17, 2026.
Background
The purpose of this regulation is to eliminate unnecessary noise generated by gas-powered leaf blowers, reduce harmful air emissions from fuel, and protect healthy lungs and ears.
The City hosted two community discussions in March 2025 on possible regulation changes regarding the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the City of Alexandria to gather feedback from residents and landscaping companies. At each event, City staff gave a presentation providing an overview of the proposed regulation, its anticipated impact, and the proposed timeline for implementation. Staff also answered questions about what residents can expect.
The first reading of the proposed ordinance was held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, during the City Council Legislative Meeting. The City Council passed the ordinance during its Public Hearing on Saturday, May 17, 2025
Reporting/Enforcement
Report violations to the City's Environmental Quality staff at 703.746.4065 or Alex311. Enforcement is in accordance with the City's Noise Code, where civic penalties may be imposed. Civil penalties range from $100 to $500, depending on the severity of the offense.
Benefits of banning gas-powered LBs
Benefits include:
- Removing loud & unnecessary noise, which can lead to hearing damage
- Decreasing air pollution from gas emissions
- Protecting the health of workers and residents
Community Outreach
The City is planning community outreach and education to share more information about the implementation of the ordinance. Follow our social media for updates on upcoming outreach at AlexandriaTES
Alternatives to Leaf Blowers
There are solutions other than gas-powered leaf blowers that can maintain a healthy lawn and garden. These solutions can help keep outdoor spaces beautiful, neighborhoods quieter, and are beneficial for keeping workers safe from harmful gas and fumes.
Leaves don't have to be collected and removed.
- Leave the leaves on the ground in natural areas, such as under trees and shrubs, when possible. Leaves will decompose in place over time and enrich the soil.
- Mulch leaves and grass clippings into the lawn with a mower. Clippings are natural fertilizers.
If you do remove the leaves, try these alternatives:
- Rake/Broom
- Leaf Scoops/Claws
- Push-powered Lawn Sweepers
- Leaf plows
- And if you have to use a leaf blower, use an electric leaf blower
Leaf Blower FAQs
- The City must comply by May 17, 2026
- Everyone else must comply by November 17, 2026
- Everyone – including, but not limited to, city staff, businesses, residents, homeowner/civic organizations, property/building management, and landscape companies
- Electric Leaf Blowers are Healthier – no noxious fumes get into your lungs and our community.
- Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter may cause: respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers
- Children and elderly are particularly vulnerable to the dust and toxic emissions from gas leaf blowers.
- Generally Quieter – Better for your ears, and your neighbors will appreciate it.
- Cheaper - Save money on gas.
Any leaf blower or leaf vacuum, including but not limited to handheld, backpack, or walk-behind equipment, directly powered by an internal combustion engine using gasoline, diesel, alcohol or other liquid or gaseous fluid
Yes. Electric leaf blowers must follow the allowable hours in the City’s Noise Code, Section 11-5-4 (16), Power Lawn and Garden Equipment, which allows operation of electric leaf blowers Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays as listed in Sec 11-5-5(a)(5)a from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The penalty for using banned equipment is the same as all other violations of the Noise Code. Notice of a violation can be given to the owner, property manager, or landscape company failing to comply with the Noise Code, ordering them to take such corrective measures as necessary within a reasonable time thereafter. If violations continue, Notice of Violation with Civil penalties from $100 to $500 can be issued.
Residents may dispose of gas-powered leaf blowers at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Units must be fully drained of all oil and gasoline prior to drop-off and will be recycled as scrap metal. Drained oil and gasoline may also be brought to the HHW facility for proper disposal.
- Often times the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is because businesses or residents are not familiar with the City’s ban. If comfortable approaching them, you can always let them know there is a ban on their use that is enforced through the noise code.
- If the user is hired by or part of a HOA/Civic Organization, has property/building management, or another oversight, please bring the concern to them to resolve.
- Submit an Alex311 case for city staff to investigate or contact the City's Environmental Quality staff at 703.746.4065.
When submitting a complaint, provide:
- Date, time, & location of possible violation
- Description of activity
- Photos/videos for supporting documentation are always helpful
- Your name and contact information (optional)
Providing contact information allows City staff to reach out with questions or to gather further information, when needed.
Yes. Both the landscape company hired to service your property and the homeowner, property manager, or other responsible party for the property can be fined for violations of the City’s Noise Code.