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Complete ban on combustion (gas/oil) leaf blowers, fully in force as of 2026-01-01. Belmont General Bylaws Chapter 60 Article 12 prohibits ALL combustion-powered leaf blowers by both residents and commercial landscapers. Electric blowers permitted but subject to per-property simultaneity caps. Interim restrictions (2022-2025) included commercial prohibition May 15–Sept 30, restrictive hours, and equipment-count limits tied to lot size. Penalties: written warning (1st), $100 (2nd), $300 (3rd+ each visit). Property owner liability for repeat violations on their property.
Enacted: 2022-11-29 In effect since: 2026-01-01
Adopted at Special Town Meeting 2022-11-29 (Article 12). 143 complaints logged during the interim-restrictions period per Belmont Voice. Advocacy coalition included Healthy Lawns, Belmont Citizens Forum, residents, officials, environmentalists, and supportive landscapers. Post-effective-date data: Public Health Director Wesley Chin reported 20 complaints in the week of 2026-04-06 alone, with complaints starting only at end of March due to deep snow delaying spring cleanup. Sources: Town of Belmont compliance flyer at https://www.belmont-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13844/belmont_leaf_blower_flyer; Belmont CivicAlerts at https://www.belmont-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=322; Belmont Voice ("Town Rakes in Non-Compliance Complaints for Leaf Blower Bylaw") at https://belmontvoice.org/town-rakes-in-non-compliance-complaints-for-leaf-blower-bylaw/. Verified 2026-05-05.
Last updated: Jun 2, 2026
Timeline
- 2026-01-01 Effective date reached — Full year-round gas leaf blower ban took effect
- 2022-11-29 Adopted — Special Town Meeting Article 12
Guidance 310 CMR 7.10 noise regulation; three failed incentive bills
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