East Hampton Town's restrictions on gas and diesel-powered leaf blowers took effect Thursday.
The town board voted unanimously in March to prohibit the use of gas or diesel-powered leaf blowers from May 20 to Sept. 20. The amended code is aimed at reducing pollution and noise and follows years of complaints from residents about the noisy machines that have become ubiquitous in the town.
From Sept. 21 to May 19, the use of gas and diesel-powered leaf blowers is allowed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and on Sundays and federal and New York State holidays, unless operated by the property owner or tenant, and only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The law also established a licensing requirement for commercial landscapers engaged in property maintenance, and is intended to encourage "green" landscaping practices, such as electric leaf blowers, which are free of emissions and quieter than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts.
No walk-behind gas or diesel-powered leaf blowers may be used on a property that is an acre or less in size, and no more than two leaf blowers of any type may be used at the same time except on properties larger than an acre. Gas or diesel generators may not be used to power electric leaf blowers.
Exceptions exist for times of emergency as determined by executive order of the town supervisor, who may also grant a temporary permit to accommodate a special circumstance, such as an abandoned or neglected property, cleanup following a severe storm, or an emergency situation that presents a danger to public health and safety.
Violators can face a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, of between $1,500 and $2,500 for a second offense if committed within five years of the first, and up to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense if committed within five years.
