Berkeley

Full Year-Round Ban Year-round gas ban

Ban status

Citywide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers since 1991. Per the codified Berkeley Municipal Code (referenced via the 1991 ordinance): "It shall be unlawful for any person, including any city employee, to operate any portable machine powered with a gasoline engine used to blow leaves, dirt, and other debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns, or other surfaces within the City limits." The prohibition is acknowledged on the City's public Noise Standards page. Permitted-hours framework for non-gas (electric/battery) tools applies separately: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Enacted: 1982-01-01 In effect since: 1991-01-01

Sources: City of Berkeley Noise Standards page at https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/livable-neighborhoods/noise-standards (confirms "Gas-powered leaf blowers are illegal in Berkeley"); NPC QuietNet roll-up at https://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/other.htm with the 1991 ordinance text. Berkeley is one of the foundational Bay Area "vintage" gas-blower bans alongside Belvedere (1987) and Piedmont (1990). Verified 2026-05-05.

Last updated: Jun 3, 2026

Research & citations

City of Berkeley Municipal Code §13.40 (gas leaf blower prohibition) — City of Berkeley, 1982-01-01
BMC §13.40.070 prohibits gasoline-engine leaf blowers (Ord. 7122-NS 2009: 6026-NS 1990: 5500-NS 1982).
Berkeley, CA — Municipal Code (municipal.codes)
California Cities Leaf Blower Bans (Roll-Up) — NPC QuietNet
City of Berkeley — Municipal Code (leaf blower / noise) — City of Berkeley
Codified leaf blower / noise ordinance for City of Berkeley, California. Source: municipal.codes.

California context

In force AB 1346 — Statewide SORE sales ban

Enacted 2021-10-09 · Effective 2024-01-01

See in the tracker

This region also appears in the broader multi-jurisdiction tracker alongside its peers.