Gas Leaf Blower Bans in Maryland
8 jurisdictions in Maryland restrict gas-powered leaf blowers or mowers, out of 8 municipalities surveyed.
8 jurisdictions with use bans
2 jurisdictions with sale bans
8 jurisdictions with specific hour restrictions
1 jurisdictions with phased implementation
Also see: US PIRG's interactive map of lawn mower and leaf blower policies for another source on jurisdictions nationwide.
Active Bans: 8 jurisdictions have implemented use bans, including Chevy Chase Village, Somerset, Montgomery Countyand others.
Phased Implementation: Baltimore City is implementing regulations in phases over time.
Jurisdictions with gas equipment restrictions
Chevy Chase Village
Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned, effective Jan 1 2022, approved by Village Board Dec 2019. Distinct from the separate Town of Chevy Chase, which allows seasonal gas blower use; noise limits apply: ≤70 dBA at 50 feet (Montgomery County noise code). Violations may result in warning for first-time violators.
Source: View ordinance
Somerset
Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned: codified in Town Code Chapter 140 (Noise) Section 140-3. Exact effective date not independently confirmed; reported effective around Jan 1 2022 per a 2020 town publication.
Source: View ordinance
Montgomery County
Gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums are banned: passed 10-1 by County Council Sept 26 2023. Sale ban effective July 1 2024; use ban effective July 1 2025. Applies to private, commercial, and local government property; does not apply to Montgomery County Public Schools or Montgomery Parks (state-managed). Rebates offered for electric alternatives; sales are also prohibited. Violations may result in $500 fine.
Source: View ordinance
Hyattsville
Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned, effective July 1 2024. Rebate program offered for electric alternatives. Violations may result in $100 first offense, $200 each repeat offense.
Source: View ordinance
University Park
Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned, effective Jan 1 2024, via Legislative Resolution 23-O-10. Applies to homeowners, guests, employees, and contractors. Rebate up to $100 offered toward electric equipment. Violations may result in $200 per occurrence (municipal infraction).
Source: View ordinance
Annapolis
Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned (ordinance 28-23, passed 2024. Grace period with warnings only until April 1 2025; fines began after that date); noise limits apply (65 dBA day / 55 dBA night in residential areas). Violations may result in $100 first offense, $200 each repeat offense.
Source: View ordinance
Baltimore City
Gas-powered leaf blowers are being phased out. City entities and contractors banned since Dec 15 2024. Private use limited to Oct 15-Dec 15 in 2025 and 2026 (banned outside that window). Full ban on all use after Dec 15 2026. Enacted by City Council vote, Oct 2024. Violations may result in $250 fine for repeat violations after the full ban takes effect.
Source: View ordinance
Takoma Park
Gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums are banned (sale ban effective July 1 2024; use ban effective July 1 2025. Applies to residents and contractors); sales are also prohibited.
Source: View ordinance
Hiring electric in Maryland
Switching off gas equipment? Browse electric lawn care providers in Maryland — battery-powered and electric companies with contact details and service areas.