Seasonal Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Last year, the Yonkers City Council passed a ban on the use of gaspowered leaf blowers from June 1 to September 30.

The passage of this legislation, similar to that in 10 other Westchester County communities, is intended to protect residents, particularly children and seniors, from harmful noise and air pollution during summer months.

Strong support for this amendment has been received from the medical, public health and environmental communities, as well as from civic associations throughout the city of Yonkers.

As the lawn care industry continues to grow and expand throughout Yonkers so has the level of air and noise pollution generated from the 2- and 4-stroke engines that power lawn equipment. As in neighboring municipalities, this increase now threatens the health, well-being and quality of life of our neighborhoods.

The legislation tries to address this increase by restricting the use of one machine, the leaf blower, during the summer when it is the least useful and the most harmful to the health of the general public.

What this legislation means for homeowners:

• Use of gas-powered leaf blowers is not permitted between June 1 and September 30
  
• In the event of a heavy storm the Commissioner of Public Works can temporarily suspend the ordinance to expedite clean-up efforts
  
• A permit for an exemption can be granted in the case of an unusual event, such as a toppled tree or other major clean-up effort
  
• IMPORTANT: Lawn care rates were not increased in other communities as a result of this legislation and should not be expected to increase in Yonkers

How homeowners can support this vital public health measure:

• If you use a landscaping company, please remind them of the new legislation and that you expect your property to be maintained in accordance with the law. Most companies are aware of and abide by this restriction in other municipalities.
  A copy of the ordinance is provided at the top of the next columnin both english and spanish for your convenience.
  
• If you maintain your own property please use an alternative such as a broom, rake or battery powered device during the summer.

Public health comes first.

The Yonkers City Council has taken a principled public health stand and instituted a seasonal ban on gas- powered leaf blowers. In so doing, Yonkers has joined the ranks of hundreds of other municipalities across the country that are concerned with air quality in their neighborhoods.

Note: Please remind your landscaper to adhere to the new city ordinance.