Zero emission landscape equipment

e-blower-picture.png

Zero emission landscape equipment ordinance

On July 11, 2023 the City Council adopted a zero-emission landscape equipment (ZELE) requirement that prohibits using gas powered landscaping equipment due to its negative impacts on health, and noise and air pollution. Operating a gas powered leaf blower for one hour is equal to inhaling 15 hours of emissions from driving. It can also contribute to hearing loss.

The ordinance requires use of zero emission (manual, electric or battery powered) landscaping equipment, starting with leaf blowers and string trimmers on July 1, 2024, and remaining equipment (chain saws, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers) in January 2029. The California Air Resources Board has also tried to phase out gas powered landscaping equipment by requiring manufacturers to sell only zero emission landscaping equipment in California starting Jan. 1, 2024. 

Electric Gardening Voucher program

The voucher program is now closed. For questions please email sustainabilty@menlopark.gov

  

How to transition your business

Armando Vega of Enviro Views discusses his company's transition from gas to electric. 

Subscribe to project updates

Visit menlopark.gov/subscribe and sign up under Projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ordinance include unincorporated County addresses in Menlo Park? 

Unincorporated County addresses are not covered by the ordinance. If you are unsure if you live in unincorporated County or the City of Menlo Park, please email sustainability@menlopark.gov to verify your addresses. 

Where do I report violations to the ordinance?

Reports can be made by calling the police departments non-emergency phone number: 650-330-6300

How do I dispose of my old leaf blower or string trimmer?

Before disposing of gas powered landscaping equipment, be sure to drain all fluids (such as gas and oil) and take them to Household Hazardous Waste. Once the equipment is drained, the remaining parts can be taken to Shoreway Environmental Center and placed in either the rigid plastics or scrap metal bin, depending on the material.

Please note: These items are not considered universal waste and cannot be disposed of in the landfill.

For more information, visit:

Ordinance requirements

Menlo Park’s new rules apply over time and eventually allow only zero emission (manual, electric or battery powered) landscaping equipment. Property owners will be responsible for violations and violators could be subject to enforcement actions up to and including monetary fines. The ordinance and penalties can be found at this link. 

Timeline and core elements of the regulation: 

  • July 1, 2024: Begin enforcement of zero-emission leaf blowers and string trimmers (commonly called weed whackers)
  • Jan. 1, 2029: Begin enforcement of all other zero-emissions landscaping equipment (lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws)
  • Applies to all properties, including residential, commercial and City properties within city limits
  • Hours of operation remain the same for electric powered equipment: 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Property owner will be responsible for resolving violations with their own private equipment or educating their landscapers and gardeners hired to perform work on their property

Resources

Let your neighbors and landscapers know about Menlo Park’s new zero-emission landscaping rules. You can now request a free yard sign(PDF, 173KB) to display at your home and help raise awareness on your block. To request a sign, complete this form and a member of the City's sustainability team will follow up to coordinate pickup. 

You can also download this handout(PDF, 630KB) to share with your neighbors and landscaping professional. 

Curious about zero emission landscaping equipment? Review some of these equipment testimonials.

Community meeting recordings

For landscapers and gardeners

  • Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, from 7:30–8:30 p.m. - View the recording (English | Español)
  • Sunday, March 5, 2023, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. - View the recording (English | Español)

For community members


Project history

 Date Description
 Jan. 1, 2029 Use of other gas-powered gardening equipment such as chain saws, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers will not be allowed starting January 2029 
 Jul. 1, 2025

Ordinance implementation will move into its enforcement phase. The police department will begin issuing citations to property owners.
Mar. 19, 2025

Environmental Quality Commission receives update out on Zero Emission Landscaping Equipment ordinance and voucher program. 
 July 1, 2024 Use of gas-powered leaf blowers and string trimmers (weed whackers) are not allowed.
 Apr. 8, 2024 Launch of Electric Gardening Voucher program. 
Jan. 1, 2024 California Air Resources Board will require manufactures to sell only zero emissions landscaping equipment in California. Does not affect equipment that is already in use.
July 11, 2023 City Council adopted proposed zero emission landscaping equipment regulations.
June, 13, 2023

City Council to introduce proposed zero emission landscaping equipment regulations. Final opportunity for public feedback. 
April 27, 2023

Environmental Quality Commission reviews draft ordinance and community feedback and provides advice to City Council
February 2023 Proposed webinars to public and landscaping and gardening professionals
Oct. 18, 2022
City Council study session

City Council directs staff to prepare a draft ordinance to adopt in 2023 that would regulate all gas powered landscaping equipment as part of the overall goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution and to conduct public outreach particularly with gardeners and landscapers in Menlo Park.
May and June 2022 Staff reached out to landscaping and gardening associations and launched an online survey targeting Menlo Park landscapers and gardeners. 
Nov. 16, 2021 The Environmental Quality Commission advised City Council to consider a prohibition on gas powered leaf blowers. The City Council directed staff to engage with landscaping and gardening professionals before returning for further discussion. 
Early 2021 City Council received numerous public comments requesting regulations for gas powered leaf blowers. The City Council referred the matter to the Environmental Quality Commission for further advice. 

Contact us

Sustainability Office
Email

650-330-6720

 

 

 

Back to top