South Portland

Ban status

City-fleet-only policy: city departments replace gas leaf blowers with electric models as existing equipment reaches end of service life. No restriction on residents, businesses, or contractors. The City Council unanimously voted down a proposed public ordinance on February 18, 2025 that would have phased out handheld gas leaf blowers by 2026 and backpack units by 2028 — the public ban was reversed after a preliminary 4-3 approval on February 4, 2025 generated substantial public opposition, including threatening messages to councilors.

Research & citations

• South Portland's leaf blower ban won't apply to residents, businesses — Press Herald — Press Herald, 2025-02-19
  Press Herald reporting that the South Portland City Council unanimously reversed course on February 18, 2025 and voted down the proposed public gas leaf blower phase-out, directing the City Manager instead to bring forward a narrower city-fleet-only replacement order. Reversal followed substantial public opposition after a 4-3 preliminary approval on February 4, 2025.