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No leaf-blower-specific or fuel-source-specific regulation. City Code §149-6 (Noise) caps outdoor sound levels in residential zones at 60 dB(A) daytime — a threshold that would in principle constrain typical GLB output (70-80 dB(A) at 50 ft) — but the City explicitly EXEMPTS leaf blowers and other lawn equipment from the §149-6 cap, so the rule does NOT function as a de facto GLB constraint despite the low decibel threshold. Generic hours framework applies to outdoor equipment.
Source: Highlands Current 2023-10-06 reporting ("Wide Angle: Dirty and Loud" by Brian PJ Cronin) at https://highlandscurrent.org/2023/10/06/wide-angle-dirty-and-loud/, which confirmed the §149-6 60 dB(A) cap and the leaf-blower-and-lawn-equipment exemption from same. The Quiet Clean Alliance (per Scenic Hudson 2024 reporting) lists Beacon as "wrangling over existing noise ordinances" — the wrangling is exactly about whether to remove the §149-6 exemption. Pre-2026-05-05 DB scope incorrectly claimed the 60 dB cap "functionally excludes" GLBs; that was wrong. Reclassified 2026-05-05.
Last updated: Jun 2, 2026
Research & citations
- The Current — Wide Angle: Dirty and Loud (2023-10-06)
— The Current (Highlands Current), 2023-10-06
Brian PJ Cronin reporting that documents the City of Beacon §149-6 60 dB(A) residential daytime cap and the leaf-blower-and-lawn-equipment exemption from same; also covers Cold Spring's 75 dB cap.
- Scenic Hudson — Hudson Valley environmental coverage
— Scenic Hudson
Scenic Hudson regional reporting is the source narrative for the 60 dB noise-cap framework in Beacon and the analogous rule in Rhinebeck, cited in the Dutchess County research file.
Pending Three state bills — rebate passed both chambers, sale + seasonal use still pending
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