Leaf Blower Regulations

On January 1, 2022, the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018 took effect. The Act prohibits the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia and impacts landscapers who do business in the District, and residents who own gasoline-powered leaf blowers. Companies or individuals that now use gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

Unlike the prior law which required noise readings, potential violations may be reported by any person who observes a gas-powered leaf blower in use in the District with appropriate evidence being provided to support the claim. If you witness a violation of this law, please submit the complaint online using the Consumer Complaint Form. The complaint must include:

The name of the company or individual alleged to have used a gas-powered leaf blower
The location of the alleged violation
The date and time of the alleged violation
Any additional identifying information regarding the use of the gas-powered leaf blower

The complaint form must be submitted within seven (7) days of the alleged violation. All complaints must be signed before any enforcement action will be accepted or an investigation is initiated. Photographic and recorded (video and audio) evidence in support of these citations may be submitted using the form, but is not required.

Investigations into use of a gas-powered leaf blower may take up to 30 business days to be completed.

The act also requires retailers of gasoline-powered leaf blowers to provide conspicuous notice that those leaf blowers may not be used in the District.

Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Act of 2018 Frequently Asked Questions

What activity does the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018 prohibit?

The Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018 prohibits the sale or use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia.

When did the ban on use of gas-powered leaf blowers go into effect?

The law took effect on January 1, 2022.

Does the ban apply to landscapers only?

No, the ban on use of gas-powered leaf blowers applies to everyone in the District, including residents and landscapers.

Are retailers prohibited from selling gas-powered leaf blowers?

Yes, unless retailers provide conspicuous notice to consumers that the leaf blower shall not be used in the District.

Does the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers apply to District agencies and vendors?

Yes, DLCP partners with other District agencies to maintain compliance and identify and cite District vendors who break the law.

If I witness a business or individual using a gas-powered leaf blower, what should I do?

If you witness a violation of this law, please submit a complaint using the Consumer Complaint Form. Violations of the law can be reported by any person who observes a gas-powered leaf blower being used in the District.

What information must I provide when submitting a complaint?

The complaint shall include:

The name of the company or individual alleged to have used a gas-powered leaf blower in the District
The location of the alleged violation
The date and time of the alleged violation
Any additional identifying information regarding the use of the gas-powered leaf blower

The complaint form must be submitted within seven (7) days of the alleged violation. All complaints must be signed before any enforcement action will be accepted or an investigation is initiated. Photographic and recorded (video and audio) evidence in support of these citations can be submitted using the form but are not required.

Will a DLCP Inspector or Investigator conduct a site visit to verify leaf blower complaints?

No, DLCP will not routinely conduct site visits to verify gas-powered leaf blower complaints. A District inspector need not witness a violation for the complaint to be valid.

What is the penalty for using a gas-powered leaf blower in the District?

Businesses or individuals that use gasoline-powered leaf blowers will be subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

If I hire a landscaper who uses a gas-powered leaf blower while servicing my property, will I be fined?

DLCP will attempt to issue the fine to your landscaper, and may contact you for help identifying them. If a landscaper is not identified, but the complaint is otherwise valid a fine may be issued against you.

Is financial assistance available to help me make the switch from gas-powered leaf blowers to electric?

If you have an active DC Business License, commercial and residential rebates are being offered by the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). Learn more and apply for rebates.

What should I do with my gas-powered leaf blower after January 1, 2022?

For residents in the District, leaf blowers may be disposed of, however, before disposal, drain fluids such as gas and oil and take to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off at the Benning Road Transfer Station, located at 3200 Benning Road NE. If the leaf blower contains a battery, the battery should be removed and taken to HHW drop-off also.

Where in the District of Columbia does leaf blower ban apply?

The leaf blower ban applies to all property in the District of Columbia with the exception of property owned by the Federal government of the United States.

Does the leaf blower ban apply to foreign embassies?

Yes, unless the foreign embassy is on land owned by the Federal government of the United States.