Gas Powered Leaf and Lawn Blowers

The City of Mount Vernon has a City ordinance governing all leaf blower use in the city (City of Mount Vernon Municipal Code: https://ecode360.com/39039302). This ordinance designates specific dates and times when leaf blowers may and may not be used, sets operational requirements for equipment, and stipulates the fine for operating without a permit, in order to balance the benefits and drawbacks of Leaf Blower use.

PERMIT LICENSE APPLICATION

All landscapers must register with the City and each must display their registration number on their vehicles.

*There is a $500 fine for operating without a permit*

Permit Application can be picked up in the Clerk’s office. Please call 914-665-2348 to make an appointment to turn in the completed application along with all required documents to the Office of the City Clerk.

Licensed Leaf Blower List - 2023 – Please Click Here

Definition of a Leaf Blower

A "leaf blower" is any portable, handheld or backpack-style power equipment, powered by fuel or electricity, and used in landscape or property maintenance for blowing, removing or redistributing leaves, dust, dirt, clippings, litter and any other debris.

What equipment is permissible?

The Ordinance seeks to address concerns about air quality and noise produced by leaf blowers. As such, leaf blowers must meet current EPA emissions standards and the sound they emit cannot exceed 65 decibels (per manufacturer’s rating).

When can Leaf blowers legally operate?

The following schedule has been developed in consideration of both landscaping needs and neighborhood quality of life.
 
Dates Permitted 
April 15 – May 31

October 1 – November 15
 
Dates Prohibited                              
November 16 - April 14  

June 1 – September 30                                                                               

all Sundays* except by residents on their own property between 9;00 am and 5:00 pm.

Hours of Use (during permitted dates)
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*Sunday – Only by residents on their own property*

Enforcement

The City of Mount Vernon requires all landscapers to register with the City and each must display a registration number on their vehicles, residents should feel free to report a violation without directly confronting the worker, who might not be aware of the law. Photos of the violation and the registration sticker sent to the City Clerk’s office will prompt a letter of warning from the City Clerk’s office, followed by legal consequences if the violation continues.

For additional information regarding Leaf Blower permit, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.