Quiet, Healthy Arlington
Arlington's Leaf Blower Bylaw Passes Town Meeting
See this May 11 Your Arlington article for a detailed account of the meeting.
About Arlington's new bylaw
Last spring, Arlington Town Meeting passed new regulations for the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. The text of the new bylaw is available on the town website. See Town Bylaws, Title V, Article 12, Section 3.D Here’s what it means for our town.
Quieter, cleaner, electric leaf blowers have now become a viable alternative. In addition, as the climate crisis has escalated, the Town of Arlington has declared a Climate Emergency, adopted a Net Zero Action Plan with significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions targeted for 2030, and is a state leader in the climate fight.
The new bylaw will:
establish seasonal limits on gas-powered leaf blowers as of March 15, 2023
limits days and hours of operation as of March 15, 2023
prohibit use as of March 15, 2025 for commercial landscapers and the Town
prohibit use as of March 15, 2026 for residents
restore the right of residents to a quiet, healthy environment
allow landscaping companies and residents time to adapt
improve conditions for landscape workers
create a simpler law that is easier to understand and enforce
support the town’s commitment to sustainability and reaching Net Zero by 2050