Prohibition on Gas-Powered Leaf-Blowers

Say No to Gas-Powered Leaf-Blowers, Say Yes to a Quieter, Cleaner Concord

Article 37

In 2023, Annual Town Meeting voted to approve Article 37, a phased prohibition on the use of gas-powered hand-held leaf blowers by residents and landscapers in Concord.

Phase 1 (June 1, 2024)

The first phase of the prohibition went into effect on June 1, 2024, which prohibits the use of gas-powered hand-held leaf blowers on residential lots less that 1.5 acres.  

As passed at Town Meeting, the leaf blowers in question may be used between March 15 - May 31 and again from September 15 - December 30 to accommodate for seasonal periods of higher landscaping activity. 

A hand-held leaf blower shall mean any fully portable blower device designed for landscaping with a handheld nozzle, including backpack blowers.

NOTE: Battery-powered hand-held leaf blowers are permissible throughout the year.

NOTE: Although the activities of Concord Public Works is exempt from the ban, CPW is already using battery-powered leaf blowers and landscaping equipment whenever feasible throughout their operations, and is committed to expanding this practice as equipment is replaced in the future.

Phase 2 (March 15, 2028)

The use of gas-powered hand-held leaf blowers by commercial landscapers is prohibited in Concord.

Phase 3 (March 15, 2030)

The use of gas-powered hand-held leaf blowers by residents on their own property is prohibited in Concord.


Outreach

Leaf blowers can be an efficient and effective landscaping tool, and the first step towards compliance with the new policy is communication and education with residents and stakeholders to bring them up to speed.

Over the last several months the new policy has been communicated with stakeholders in multiple ways:

  • Town Website
  • Facebook and X
  • Concord Bridge article
  • Direct outreach to area landscaping companies

What can you do if you see gas-powered leaf-blowers in use?  Consider it an opportunity for awareness and a friendly reminder.  Feel free to use the downloadable flyer and postcards found on this page to share information with other residents and contractors, or we can print some copies for you upon request. 

Still not seeing progress?  If you'd like to report recurring violations of the ban please document the date, time, address, and (if applicable) name of the landscaping company, and contact Megan Zammuto, Deputy Town Manager mzammuto@concordma.gov.  You can also contact the Concord Police Department with the same information to report a violation of the Construction Noise Bylaw at 978.318.3400.

Penalties & fines for violations are outlined in the Non-Criminal Disposition Bylaw as:

1st offense = Warning

2nd offense = $100

3rd and each subsequent offense = $200

gas powered Leaf Blowers

Help get the word out

  1. B&W Half Sheet Leaf Blower Post Card.pdf (Download and Print)
  2. Full Color Leaf Blower Flyer.pdf (Download and Print)