Gas-powered leaf blowers are legal again on Greenwich properties of 2 acres or more, but homeowners on smaller lots will have to wait until Oct. 1.
The seasonal restriction lifted Tuesday, Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day, for larger parcels. For residential properties under 2 acres, the ban on gas-powered blowers remains in effect through Sept. 30, according to Patch, which first reported the update from First Selectman Fred Camillo's weekly newsletter.
Electric blowers are permitted year-round.
Camillo flags landscaper violations
Camillo wrote in his Community Connections newsletter that he had personally spoken with more than a few landscaping companies the week before Labor Day for running gas-powered equipment in violation of the ordinance.
"I am glad to report we have had much fewer calls about issues with this ordinance this summer," Camillo wrote. "However, I have personally had to speak with more than a few landscape companies this past week who were using gas powered blowers."
Residents who spot violations can call the Greenwich Police Department's (GPD) non-emergency line at 203-622-8004 and provide details.
What the ordinance requires
Greenwich's noise ordinance banning gas-powered leaf blowers in residential zones took effect in January 2024. Violators face $250 fines after a first offense, Greenwich Time reported in January.
The seasonal ban runs each year from 6 p.m. the Friday before Memorial Day through Sept. 30. It lifts the day after Labor Day for properties over 2 acres.
Other year-round rules apply once the seasonal ban ends Oct. 1:
- Gas-powered blowers cannot run between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Monday through Friday.
- Weekend and holiday hours are restricted between 3 p.m. and 9 a.m.
- Commercial use of gas-powered blowers is banned on Sundays in residential zones.
- Properties of a quarter-acre or less may be serviced by only one leaf blower at a time.
Complaints have surged since ordinance took effect
Police complaint data shows enforcement activity has climbed sharply since the ordinance passed. In 2023, before the ban, police received 53 calls about leaf blowers with five repeat offenders. In 2024, that number jumped to 388 calls with about 50 repeat offenders, according to Greenwich Time.
In 2025, police logged 537 calls and identified 68 repeat offenders.
Camillo told Greenwich Time in January that he favored a compromise approach over an outright ban. "We don't get to pick and choose what laws and ordinances we follow, but I think the overwhelming majority of people are doing the right thing," he said at the time.
What's next
Landscapers can resume using gas-powered leaf blowers during permitted hours starting Thursday, Oct. 1. Residents with questions or complaints can reach Greenwich police at 203-622-8004.
