An East Hampton Village law prohibiting professional landscapers from using gas-powered leaf blowers from June 1 to Labor Day, and another that requires them to obtain licenses annually, took effect Thursday, the first day of the new year.
The village board passed the laws at the end of July, after years of discussion about regulating the use of the noisy machines, which have long been a bane to residents.
“The residents of the village have told us in no uncertain terms that they want that tool out of your hands during the summer,” Arthur Graham, a trustee, told landscapers at a June public hearing. Richard Lawler and Barbara Borsack had led a committee that consulted with residents, landscapers, and others before the laws were drafted.
The summer ban includes a provision allowing gas-powered leaf blowers to be used following a major storm or when responding to an emergency.
Golf club and municipal employees who are performing their professional duties are exempt from the ban, though Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach Jr. had repeatedly promised that the village would “lead by example” and not use gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer. Mr. Rickenbach resigned from office on Tuesday with more than six months left in his term. Ms. Borsack and Jerry Larsen, a former village police chief, have announced their candidacies for mayor in the June election.
A violation of the law will incur a fine, not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for a first offense, plus any costs incurred by the village as a result of the violation. For a second offense within a two-year period, the fine is not less than $500 nor more than $2,500. Subsequent offenses within two years carry fines of not less than $2,500 nor more than $5,000.
According to the law mandating that professional landscapers obtain licenses, a landscaping business will pay an annual $200 registration fee, agree to abide by village laws governing the permitted times for property maintenance and the use of gas-powered lawn equipment; have a valid home improvement license from the town, and, if applicable, provide proof that it has the necessary state and county certification to use pesticides, fertilizers, and other regulated chemicals.
Once the village administrator determines that a business has met all the requirements, a $10 registration sticker will be issued. The sticker, which is good for one year, must be placed in a conspicuous location on each vehicle used by the company.
A first violation of the licensing law incurs a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500, plus costs. For a second offense within a two-year period, the fine is not less than $500 nor more than $2,500. Subsequent offenses within two years carry fines of not less than $2,500 nor more than $5,000. Each day a violation takes place is considered a separate offense. The law also gives the village board the right to revoke the licenses of violators, after they have been notified in writing and given the opportunity to plead their cases at a public hearing.
