City Council Votes To Ban Gas Leaf Blowers

On Monday, October 6th, your San Mateo City Council voted unanimously to support a ban on gas leaf blowers throughout our city.  This was one of my top 3 objectives at our City Council 2025/2026 Blue Sky Strategy Session in February.  I thank my fellow Council Members for their support. 

City staff presented a comprehensive review of how other Peninsula cities dealt with the issue; what we learned from the incentive program we have run for landscape businesses and homeowners to buy electric leaf blowers; and what a potential ordinance could look like.  Thanks to the many residents in District 1 and across San Mateo for sharing their enthusiastic support for a gas leaf blower ban.  Reasons ranged from excessive noise, to the public health risks to our community and landscape gardeners, to damage to the environment overall. 

The challenge in implementing this ordinance will be in enforcing it. There will be a transition plan estimated to be about 9 months before the final new ordinance is approved and implemented to allow for a comprehensive community education campaign to help residents and businesses understand the ban, its benefits, and how it will be implemented.  My hope is that neighbors can help neighbors learn about these changes and how it can improve the quality of life for everyone.

You can watch the City Council presentation and debate here, starting at approximately Minute 48.20. I am happy to answer any questions.