Pacific Grove considers banning gas powered leaf blowers

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif (KION) When leaves fall in Pacific Grove, it is first instinct for some to simply blow them away, but a new city law could make a common tool to do so a bit harder to find.

"They turn them right on at nine o'clock. They wake me up," said Pacific Grove resident, Peter Boynton.

Loud noise created by leaf blowers is one thing, but city leaders suggest gas powered blowers could have a bigger impact on health. Officials said gas powered leaf blower could create pollution from exhaust and dust. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) identified these potential hazards in a study in 2000.

"Sometimes it just seems like they blow things around and it goes over to the next door neighbor's yard. They don't really sweep it up and actually get rid of it," said Pacific Grove resident, Lynn Kraft.

The City of Pacific Grove currently prohibits residents from using leaf blowers within 50 feet of another property line or blowing debris into a yard that is not your own. If approved, the new ordinance would add onto those regulations.

"I understand where people can get upset with the noise level. It's all about decibels, but I'm not bothered by it," said Pacific Grove resident, Carlan Boggan.

While some think further restrictions aren't all that necessary, others stand firm in their dislike of leaf blowers.

Some recommend other options for keeping your yard tidy. "Use brooms. It won't be less tidy. It'll just be harder," said Boynton.

"Do it the old fashioned way. Try. It's good exercise," said Kraft.

Pacific Grove city council is expected to review the draft ordinance on Wednesday, February 19.