Stop the Leaf Blowers! Palo Alto Issues, posted by Ducatigirl, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Oct 26, 2012 at 1:12 pm Ducatigirl is a member (registered user) of Palo Alto Online
Why did Palo Alto pass a law against the use of leaf blowers when they never enforce it? The racket they cause is painfully annoying, disruptive, and impossible to reduce. We have a house that has sound-dampening insulation and dual-paned windows, yet the cacophony comes through loud and clear. Many of us and our neighbors work at home, and the noise just goes on and on, making it impossible to work, or put a baby down for a nap. Some of these gardeners start at 7:00 am, even on weekends, and in the summer continue to 6:00 pm. I am surprised no one has clunked a leaf-blowing gardener over the head with they guy's own leaf blower!
I just asked the gardener next store if he knew about the ban on leaf blowers, and he said that was only for gas models, that the electric ones were legal. Was he making this up? the electric one is only a few decibels quieter. He was still wearing ear protection.
Posted by PowerMax, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Oct 26, 2012 at 3:40 pm PowerMax is a member (registered user) of Palo Alto Online
The electric ones are legal - the gas powered ones are banned in residential zones. The hours are M-F 9-5, and Saturday 10-4 and not allowed on Sunday.
Its probably the dumbest law ever, because you can still use a gas powered generator to power an electric leaf blower, so, now you create a tripping hazard!
In terms of enforcement, I think our hard-working PAPD is kind of short-staffed, so I think its at the low end of the list of priorities. They are definitely not going to break away from pursuing a burglar or a DUI for some guy with a leaf blower.
They work really well too - less wear and tear on your lawn and much faster than a rake. For someone trying to eek out a living as a gardner, or even us weekend gardeners, its pretty much a must-have.
Posted by Ducatigirl, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Oct 26, 2012 at 7:08 pm Ducatigirl is a member (registered user) of Palo Alto Online
But infants cannot wear ear plugs!
Also, many, many landscapers, gardeners and construction workers violate the day and time constraints.
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