On Saturday, Alexandria City Council took a significant step to reduce neighborhood noise and pollution by passing an ordinance banning gas-powered leaf blowers. This action makes Alexandria the first locality in Virginia to enact such a ban.
While other DC-area jurisdictions like the District of Columbia and Montgomery County, Maryland, have already implemented similar restrictions, state legislation enabling local bans has yet to advance in Virginia. However, Alexandria is moving forward by relying on a recent opinion from the Virginia Attorney General affirming that city charters grant localities the authority to regulate gas-powered leaf blowers.
To ease the transition for residents and landscaping companies, the Council approved an 18-month phase-out period—shorter than the two years initially recommended by city staff. The city is actively exploring incentive programs, including partnerships with organizations like Clean Air Partners. One such initiative under consideration is a residential leaf blower exchange program to encourage swapping gas-powered models for electric alternatives.
City operations will also shift away from gas-powered leaf blowers within one year, with $75,000 allocated in the current city budget for purchasing electric equipment. The budget further supports a new city inspector role focused on noise and environmental enforcement.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are known to be louder and more polluting than electric models. Although city regulations already limit the use of power lawn and garden equipment to between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays, residents have frequently reported noise disturbances linked to gas-powered devices.
This ordinance represents a milestone in Alexandria’s efforts to improve quality of life by curbing noise pollution and advancing environmental health.
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