Newly amended leaf blower regulations for Los Altos have been adopted. The city council July 11 approved the second reading of a new ordinance intended to further restrict use, particularly gas-powered devices that have been banned in the city for more than 30 years.
The chief change is a shift in responsibility from the user to the homeowner. Homeowners are now liable for the illegal use of gas blowers on their properties, with a first-time warning letter, then fines of $100, $200 and $500 for repeated violations.
“The responsible party assigned liability for the operation and use of a gas-powered leaf blower shall be the recorded property owner of the site where the violation has occurred,” according to text in the new regulations. “When a violation has occurred that results in the issuance of an administrative citation, the citation will be mailed to the property address where the violation occurred and if different, a copy will also be sent to the property owners address as provided on the Santa Clara County tax roll.”
Nick Zornes, the city’s development services director, told the council enforcement of illegal use has been significantly more proactive after the hiring of a new code enforcement officer in April. Under the new law, electric blowers, plug-in or battery powered, are allowed for use between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The new changes take effect 30 days after the July 11 adoption.
As noticed in the community groups, some neighbors already got warning letters.
Sue Cheng 