Print
Share page with AddThis

GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS FAQ

In 2018, The Village of Ossining passed a local law regulating the use of leaf blowers (click here). Effective January 1, 2023 gas-powered leaf blowers are NOW PROHIBITED on all properties less than ½ acre in size.

Use of a gas-powered leaf blower can only be used on parcels greater than a ½ acre, and only between the following dates:

  • March 1 and June 1, OR
  • September 15 and December 15

Click here to view the Village Code, Chapter 178 entitled “Noise” and please see below for answers to some frequently-asked questions.

What is the Village’s definition of a “leaf blower”?

The Village’s local law defines a gasoline-powered leaf blower as follows: “Portable, handheld or backpack style power equipment that is powered by gasoline and used in any landscape maintenance, construction, property repair, or property maintenance for the purpose of blowing, moving, removing, dispersing, vacuuming or redistributing leaves, dust, dirt, grass clippings, cuttings and trimmings from trees and shrubs or any other type of litter or debris.”

When CAN’T I use a gas-powered leaf blower?

  • The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is PROHIBITED on parcels less than a ½ acre - all year round (effective January 1, 2023)
  • If your parcel is larger than a ½ acre, you can NOT use a leaf blower between December 16 and February 28 OR June 2 - September 14

When CAN I use a gas-powered leaf blower?

  • Properties ½ acre or larger: gas powered leaf blowers can only be used from March 1 and June 1, OR September 15 and December 15
  • Noise levels from domestic tools and equipment are unrestricted during these times:
    • At all other times, such noise levels shall not exceed 45 dB(A) on any other property used for residential purposes within any residential zoning district, with the following exceptions:Use of leaf blowers, including gas-powered leaf blowers, is exempted from these noise limits when the items are being used to clear driveways, streets, walkways and the exterior of premises during and within 24 hours after snowfalls, rainstorms, ice storms, windstorms or other emergencies as declared by the Village Manager.
    • Saturday, Sunday and holidays: Between 9AM to sundown
    • Monday through Friday (except holidays): 8AM to sundown
  • During seasons when use of gas-powered leaf blowers is permissible, no more than two handheld or backpack gas-powered leaf blowers may be used at a time on any property that is larger than one-half acre in size.
  • The operation of gas-powered leaf blowers for maintenance and testing shall not exceed more than 30 minutes in any seven-day period. Maintenance and testing shall occur during daytime hours.

Who is responsible to enforce this law?

Violations of Village Code Chapter 178 “Noise” can be enforced by the Ossining Police Department.

Someone is violating this law—what should I do?

  • This law has been in place since May 31, 2019. However, if someone is new to our community, they may not be aware that the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is restricted during the summer months. If possible, alert your neighbor to the availability of this FAQ document!
  • If you employ a landscaping company, please inform them of the above restrictions or share this FAQ with them.
  • To otherwise report a violation call the Ossining Police Department non-emergency number at (914) 941-4099.

What is the consequence for violating this law?

Village Code Section 178-9 “Penalties for Offenses” states that all persons in violation of these provisions shall receive one warning before an appearance ticket is issued.