NEW Gas-powered Leaf Blower Law
The gas-powered leaf blower ban has been amended to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers effective May 01, 2021. However, property owners and landscapers should note that electric leaf blowers continue to be authorized year-round.
Importantly, if you use a landscaper, please be sure the company is aware of the new law and complies when performing work on your property. Property owners are equally responsible for compliance, meaning that an observed violation will result in a summons to the equipment operator, landscaping company the operator is employed by, and the property owner.
During May 2021, the first month of the new regulations take effect, enforcement personnel will issue warnings, including a door hanger and landscaper handout, each featuring a front and back side, and endeavor to educate landscapers and property owners about the amendments to our local law restricting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers; however, individuals not complying with a warning, as well as repeat violators, may receive a summons during May.
Here's when gas-powered leaf blowers are now prohibited or permitted:
For 2021:
- May 01, 2021, through September 30, 2021: Cannot be used.
- October 01, 2021, through December 31, 2021: Can be used Monday through Friday, but not on federal holidays.
For 2022 and Thereafter:
- January 01 through September 30: Cannot be used.
- October 01 through December 31: Can be used Tuesday through Friday, but not on federal holidays.
Electric leaf blowers continue to be authorized for use year-round.
To report a violation of the gas-powered leaf blower ban on a Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, please call the Building Department at (914) 722-1140. At any other time, please report the violation to the Scarsdale Police Department non-emergency number, (914) 722-1200.
Visual Obstructions
While on the topic of landscaping, please also remember that healthy plants may grow with such vigor as to create public safety hazards for those traveling our streets, sidewalks, and paths. To help promote public safety, as well as to reduce or eliminate any liability you may incur in connection with a visual obstruction on your property arising from improper plantings, please review and comply with Chapter §294-1 of the Village Code, entitled “Obstructions not to be permitted.”
Questions or complaints about visual obstructions should be directed to the Engineering Department by phone at 914-722-1150, or by email using engineer@scarsdale.com.
But for the full spectrum and seasonal variability of beautiful colors, textures, and scents that our public and private landscapes contribute to, we would lose our Village in a Park identity. However, such environmental and aesthetic benefits come with the obligation to avoid landscaping-related problems, such as disruptive leaf blower noise and dangerous visual obstructions.
Thank you for helping to maintain our Village in a Park identity while also appropriately avoiding gas-powered leaf blower noise and removing any visual obstructions.