HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS2 - Leaf Blower Survey ResultsCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION
Agenda Item No.SS 2
November 9, 2010
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: City Manager's Office
Steve Bunting, Project Analyst
949- 644 -3031, sbunting @nbfd.net
SUBJECT: LEAF BLOWER SURVEY RESULTS
ISSUE:
Review the results of recent surveys on the use of leaf blowers in residential
neighborhoods.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Direct staff to return to Council with an ordinance banning the use of gasoline
powered leaf blowers within specific geographical areas of the City (such as Corona
Del Mar), which includes a process for additional geographical areas to opt -in in the
future, and to present a plan for enforcement.
2. Direct staff to return to Council with an ordinance enacting a citywide ban of gasoline
powered leaf in residential areas and present a plan for enforcement.
3. Place the matter of a citywide ban of gasoline powered leaf blowers before the
voters at the next regularly scheduled election.
4. Take no action.
DISCUSSION:
During the City Council Study Session on February 9, 2010, Council heard the findings
and recommendations of the Environmental Quality Affairs Committee (EQAC) report
on the impacts of leaf blower operations within the city. The Committee made the
following recommendations:
Leaf Blower Survey Results
November 9, 2010
Page 2
1. Direct staff to confirm EQAC's findings and expand the database (of other
community regulations) as needed.
2. Conduct an outreach activity to quantify the perceived economic impacts (i.e.,
increased labor costs) on the affected residential property owners.
3. Conduct outreach to determine residential community reactions (positive and
negative) to such an ordinance.
4. Based on above, decide whether to proceed with a complete ban, limited ban,
imposition of more restrictive standards (noise and air pollution) or continue with the
current ordinance (Municipal Code Section 10.28.045).
Prior to the Study Session, the Corona del Mar Residents Association provided the
Council and City Clerk a copy of the results of its 2009 member poll regarding leaf
blower regulations. The association sent a -mails to its 567 members. Of the 104
responses received, 55 percent favored a ban on leaf blowers in the community and 85
percent wanted to ban or limit emissions, days /hours of operations, or decibel levels in
residential areas. A copy of the association's submittal is attached.
Subsequent to the report and testimony from members of the community, Council
directed staff to conduct a survey of home owner associations in order to determine the
amount of community support for a ban or restriction on the use of leaf blowers. Council
also directed staff to conduct a survey of landscape maintenance companies to
determine if there would be an economic impact on both the companies and residents if
a ban on leaf blowers was enacted.
Staff conducted three surveys targeting the following groups
Home owner and community associations
• Landscape maintenance companies
• Individual residents.
Printed surveys and self- addressed, sta mped envelopes were sent to each of the
known home owner and community associations in the city. Printed surveys were also
sent to each of the landscape maintenance companies listed in the City's Business Tax
Certificate database and an additional 15 companies suggested by the City's Municipal
Operations Department. A third survey, designed for individual residents and City
business owners, was posted on the City website. The online survey was promoted
through a -mails to those signed up to receive news updates from the City and to local
news reporters.
Survey Results
A total of 33 home owner and community associations and 26 landscape maintenance
companies returned surveys. Additionally, there were 306 unique responses to the
survey posted on the City's web page. Sample surveys, survey tabulations and a
complete transcription of respondent's written comments are attached to this report.
Leaf Blower Survey Results
November 9, 2010
Page 3
A summary of the main question asked on each survey, "Should there be a ban on
gasoline - powered leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods ?" is listed below.
K
es,�andeen.,..`
YeB,�,a
'."
y "yi
rSr"s%,l
Resident & Home Owner
32
22 (69%)
7 (22 %)
3 (9 %)
Associations
Landscape Companies
25
4 (16 %)
19 (76 %)
2 (8 %)
Residents & Business
306
192 (71 %)
74 (28 %)
4 (1 %)
Owners
Fiscal Impact
In the survey of the landscape maintenance companies, the companies were asked if a
ban on gasoline - powered leaf blowers would impact the cost of doing business. Of the
25 companies that responded to the survey, 17 answered yes. The companies were
then asked to estimate the additional cost of doing business. Only 6 of the 26
respondents answered this question and their estimates ranged from 20% to 100 %.
However, one of those respondents was ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance
Company. ValleyCrest Landscape, which is the largest landscape maintenance
company in the United States, stated that the ban would increase the cost of landscape
maintenance by 25 %.
The resident and home owner associations were asked if a ban on gasoline - powered
leaf blowers would increase their association's maintenance budget. Of the 32
associations that participated in the survey, 29 answered this question. Ten answered
"yes ", four answered "no" and 15 answered "unknown."
The online survey (for individual residents and business owners) asked if such a ban
would increase their property maintenance. Of the 306 respondents, 136 answered
"no ", 79 answered "yes" and 53 answered "unknown."
Submitted by:
Steve Bunting
Project Analyst
Attachments: Exhibit "A" — City surveys and results
Exhibit "B" - NBMC Section 10.28.045
Exhibit "C" — Corona del Mar Residents Assoc. member poll and results
Attachment A
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
41170
July 30, 2010
The City of Newport Beach Environmental Quality Affairs Committee (EQAC) has asked the
City Council to consider a ban on gas - powered leaf blowers in all residential areas of the
community. EQAC members have researched the environmental impacts of leaf blower
operations as well as information about regulations enacted by other cities. They presented their
findings to the City Council during its April 9 Study Session. During that meeting, the Council
also heard from several resident association representatives and individual residents about their
concerns related to noise, dust and health issues resulting from use of leaf blowers.
The City Council would like more input from the community, including residents, homeowners
and residents associations, and landscape maintenance businesses, before considering any action
to ban leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods. (Please Note: Commercial properties would be
excluded from any ban.)
Your opinions are important to us and we hope you will take a few minutes to answer the brief
survey enclosed. Please return the survey no later than September 7, 2010.
Thank you.
Steve Bunting, Project Analyst
Landscape Company Leaf Blower Survey
Company Name:
Address:
Contact Person:
Would you like us to notify you if this issue goes before the City Council for consideration? If
yes, please provide your email address.
,4) ould your emApony support a ban: ongasohne- powered leaf hlowers, in residential
nei hborhoods?
Yes CD
No O
Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Yes:4 No: 19 Unknown:2
City Hall • 3300 Newport Boulevard • Post Office Box 1768 J
Newport Beach, California 92658 -8915 • www.newportbeachca.gov
2) Would such a ban significantly impact your business operations (such as number of
personnel "signed to a 'ob, hours allocated, "etc. )?
Yes O
I No O
Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Yes: 17 No:4 Unknown:2
3) e Would such a ban increase your cost of doing business even if an electric- powered
blower is an allowed alternative? >
Yes O
No O
Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Yes: 15 No:S Unknown:3
4 Would your com' pany use:electr'e-powered leaf blowers?
Yes O
No O
Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Yes:4 No:14 Unknown:5
•
Individual Residential Properties
•
Commercial Areas (shopping centers, office, government or industrial)
•
Homeowner Associations (gated - communities and common areas)
Comments:
6 Do ou bave an other thou hts about this issue we should
consider?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Please use the enclosed self - addressed
stamped envelope to return the survey by September 7, 2010.
Landscape Company Survey Page 2 5
Landscape Company Responses
Yes No Unkn(
6
Landscape Company Respondents
Percent of
Customer Base:
Residential
Commercial
HOA
1
. Verde
33
33.
33
2
Love of Dirt
99
1
3
O'Connell - -
100
4
Baez
99
1
5
- Dimensions
100
6
Nakae
100
7
Asian
100
8
TruGreen
100
9
Blacks.
p.
?.
-...
10
Dendinger
100
11 '
Tierra Verde
100
12
Quality
100
13. -`
Heather Hendrickson
?
?
?
.Only answered lstquestion
14
Valley Crest
40
60
' 15
. Merchants
0 .
0
0
Only services roads and medians
16
Carrozco
100
17
Nakamura
99
1
18
Inside Out
100
-19
Emilio
60
?
v
20
Kobayashi
80
?
10
21
Abels
90.
5.
6.
22
Associated
100
23 :.
Unknown
'. ?
?.
? ..
24
Takashi Kushi
?
?
?
Only answered 1st question
25
:.Wally's Gardening Service
75
25
_
25
27
28
29
6
LANDSCAPE COMPANY LEAF BLOWER SURVEY
Written Comments
1. Would your company support a ban on gasoline- powered leaf blowers in residential
neighborhoods?
YES
• So long as we could use electric blowers.
• I oppose use & leaf blowers vehemently, believing them to be health hazards for both
users & those around. They contribute to asthma &intolerable noise levels. I
encourage the use of brooms, not hosing down walks (which presents it's own
hazards w /run -off, water use etc.) Thank you for addressing this important issue.
• Too noisy, most residential landscape maintenance companies simply blow
everything out into the streets or down to a neighbor's front yard.
• They make noise I think a broom work just as well, but it does take more time.
NO
• We understand the concerns of the community, but this change would be both costly
to our company as it would be for other landscape service businesses. In addition the
cost to make these changes would also be passed on to residents who use these
services. I don't believe that now is a wise time to make these changes since there are
many other expenses that we as a community need to focus on. We as a company
have considered these change and do believe it would be a great change for the
environment and we do plan on making the change, but at a later time.
• Commercial contracts — (commercial HOA's etc.) are to large to use battery powered,
landscape areas too large to use electrical cords.
• It is not fair for residential neighborhoods who does for gardens. It should be all or
none.
• We have water shortage — many homes have planter area along fence — we need the
blower to clean underneath.
• If you don't run the blower full blast like most worker do its not that bad.
• Job will take longer to get done and my company will have to raise prices to
customers.
• It is the most effective way to clean off a residential area.
• Because it would cost us so much to have it manually clean all the leaf debris we
create.
7
• Without using blowers, the labor cost would double. Due to sweeping and the city in
itself would not be as clean by using a broom. I deft with this in the City of L.A. For
all landscape contracts the cost to the city would go thru the roof.
• Our leaf blower is the lowest noise in the market. I think we don't have any problem
to use of blowers and most of others also. All blower factory made. Their blowers
make fit to all complaints since 1995. If not they couldn't survive. My opinion is so
these days blower problems are not many exist but few of company are still using old
time blowers how about this, when complaints reported, measure the noise with
decibel gauge? Over 90db will ticketed to correct their blower, buy new one or retest.
• It will add a significant cost to our operation.
• No because the non gasoline ones areas effective as the electric ones it will still be
noisy.
• Essential to one business.
• It will take longer to complete jobs and take more physical effort.
• Some leaves cannot be swept and hosing is not as option.
• The job wouldn't be as clean with a broom as with a blower. And we can't use water
to wash things down because of the drought.
UKNOWN
• We would need to know all facts about rules and regulation and how the whole thing
would work in general.
• A lot of progress has been made in reducing the pollution of gas powered blowers. I
would first look at mandating an AQMD approved blower, before considering a full
ban on all gas powered blowers.
2. Would such a ban significantly impact your business operations (such as number of
personnel assigned to a job, hours allocated, etc.)?
YES
• I work along but it would take more time.
• Yes, because I would have to spend more time in each house, as well as hire more
workers.
• Hassels & problems
• There would have to be a amendment to the contract to add labor or just not keep the
landscape clean.
• Changing from blowers back to brooms or possibly vacuums would increase the man
hours needed and thus the price of contracts.
• Jobs would take longer.
• It may or may not add expense to an already very competitive
ON
NO
• Switching to sweeping or vacuuming clippings will triple the amount of time needed
to clean up debris.
• It would increase the time per property significantly. We wouldn't be able to charge
more because the client would just hire illegal aliens who can under bid us because
they typically don't pay taxes or other American expenses such as medical costs,
health insurance, etc.
• There are several points to be considered. The proper way to use a blower is to blow
grass, leaves, etc. up onto the lawn and mow them up. The dust factor shouldn't be
significant 2. As mentioned, there is a faction in this profession who don't
necessarily play by the rules. They probably didn't even get this survey because they
don't pay for business licenses. We're already on an uneven playing field. This
would just make it worse. 3. Yes, there are blower abuses out there. Perhaps you
could ban the more powerful back -pack blowers, which are also louder and yet allow
the quieter hand -held gas blowers.
If ban the blower, we will use water hose to clean garden. This makes about same
time or little more time we use but more water bill?
• My service does not require that type of clean up.
• 1 only use electric and only a certain job sites.
UNKNOWN
• Would impact my business if all blowers were banned.
3. Would such a ban increase your cost of doing business even if an electric - powered
blower is an allowed alternative?
YES
• Unknown costs — 1 replacement of all existing equipment., cost to be reimb. To
HOA's for use of elec.
• Yes, because I would have to buy new electric equipment, and having to deal with
looking for outlets to plug electric equipment in.
• The cost increase would be passed on to the homeowners 10% - 20 %.
• It would on the time spent and on all the accessories needed etc.
• 25%
• 100% There is no alternative for electric powered blowers.
• 90%
• It would cost more money to buy new equipment.
11
• At this point without knowing all the facts I would have to say that yes because to
charge a blower maybe more costly as utility and time wise. How good are electric
blowers.
• I would guess we are looking at 15% - 20% total with most of that being in the extra
labor. Electric blowers aren't as strong so the time to blow along with the time to set
up /tear down extension cords would need to be considered. Also, you introduce new
potential liabilities with cords stretching for 50 — 100 feet.
• 60%
• The electric blower wouldn't solve the concerns of blown dust, etc. It would also be
time consuming looking for an outlet.
4. Would your company use electric - powered leaf blowers?
NO
• Not feasible see response #1
• It causes too many problems. The electric leaf blowers don't have enough power and
it would cause problems with the extensions and we would connect them?
• Too weak and you can't take them for long distances or long periods of time.
• We would rebid the contract.
• They are not efficient, and would hinder performance.
• No, because customers won't allow us to go in their homes, to use electric outlets.
• No place to plug in blowers.
• I own yard vac.
• They're probably great for homeowners, but impractical for professionals.
UNKNOWN
• Possibly as noted above, in using electrical blowers, we would have 50 — 100 ft. cords
stretching across walkways that concerns me.
• We think a sort of exchange or credit program would best benefit our company,
where we could get some sort of an instant credit for exchanged blowers.
• We have not seen a commercial electric blower that can do the job or that reduces the
dust noise.
5. Do you have any other thoughts about this issue we should consider?
• The City has just done budget cuts, that if this law goes into effect, not only would
the budget increase it would go up to 30% of the (center ?)
• Due to economy crisis I would have buy electric equipment, and I would also raise
my rates, due to crisis customers would not want to pay more due to economy.
• A gas powered blower can be operated with low noise & dust.
• I think it really depends on how durable and cost of repair electric blowers are. Is it a
noise or emissions issue?
• Electric blowers would not be feasible on large scale HOA projects. The blowers
would need to be battery powered for the mobility necessary to access the entire
community.
• It's going to increase the cost of the mow & blow business but that's ok I think they
are dirty, noisy "the easy way" of doing a good job. Plus blowers remove all the top
soil and with that all the good stuff in the ground /soil making the planting bed look
dry, under nourished and ugly...
ativvPORT
o� CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
L .e_
July 30, 2010
The City of Newport Beach Environmental Quality Affairs Committee (EQAC) has asked the
City Council to consider a ban on gas - powered leaf blowers in all residential areas of the
community. EQAC members have researched the environmental impacts of leaf blower
operations as well as information about regulations enacted by other cities. They presented their
findings to the City Council during its April 9 Study Session. During that meeting, the Council
also heard from several resident association representatives and individual residents about their
concerns related to noise, dust and health issues resulting from use of leaf blowers.
The City Council would like more input from the community, including residents, homeowners
and residents associations, and landscape maintenance businesses, before considering any action
to ban leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods. (Please Note: Commercial properties would be
excluded from any ban.)
Your opinions are important to us and we hope you will take a few minutes to answer the brief
survey enclosed. Please return the survey no later than September 7, 2010.
Thank you.
Steve Bunting, Project Analyst
Newport Beach Resident & Homeowner Leaf blower Survey
Association Name:
Address:
Contact Person:
Would you like us to notify you if this issue goes before the City Council for consideration? If
yes, please provide your email address.
t) Would your association support, a ban on gasoline powered leaf blo`,wers in residential
nei liborhood37 -:
Yes O No CD Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Yes: 22 No:7 Unknown:3
City Hall • 3300 Newport Boulevard • Post Office Box 1768
Newport Beach, California 92658 -8915 • www.newportbeachca.gov
City of Newport Beach
jLeaf Blower Survey
2). >If imppsed, should'such a ban apply only to individual residential properties or common
areasv or both?
Individual Residential CD
I Common Areas O
I Both O
Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Residential Areas: 2 Common Areas: 0 Both: 20 Unknown: 3
3) Would lianning gasoline- powered leaf blowers increase your association's maintenance i
bud et? ' e.., would your maintenance contract increase?
Yes O No O Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Yes: 10 No:4 Unknown:15
4) Would your association support the use of electric - powered leaf blowers as an
alternative to as- owered blowers?
Yes O
No O
Unknown O
SURVEY RESULTS:
Yes:7 No:16 Unknown:3
5 Do you have any, other thoughts about this issue we should consider?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Please use the enclosed self - addressed
stamped envelope to return the survey by September 7, 2010.
I JHomeowner /Resident Survey Page 2
Resident and Home Owner Assoc Responses
The question was "If imposed, should such a ban apply to individual residential properties, common areas or both ?" Unknown was the fourth choice offered.
HOA Respondents:
1 Santa Ana Heights Proj Adv Comm
-
2 Spyglass Ridge
Spyglass Ridge returned survey unanswered
3 Bayside Village and Marina
4 Central Newport Beach Comm Assoc
Defacto HOA. Does not pay for common landscaping
5 Canyon View
6 Jasmine Creek
7 Mariners Mile BOA
8 Newport Shores Comm Assoc
Didn't answer most questions
9 Montsurrat
-
10 Castaways
11 little Balboa
12 Linda Isle
Big Canyon
-
Canyon Crest
Canyon Fairway
Canyon Hills
Canyon Isle
Canyon Lakes 13 23`ca*( ss)RI,
q� Canyon Mesa
21T "Canyon Point
x
r Cameo Community
Harbor View
'* 3 Harbor View Broadmoor
24 Broadmoor Hills
25 Versallis
26 Bayview Terrace
Only answered 1st question
,.27 Tesoro
28 Newport Ridge North
29 '`. Balboa Isle Improvement Assoc-
-
30 Villa Point Condo Assoc.
31' -! Bayshores Community Assoc
32 Harbor Cove Comm Assoc
33
34_.
Individual Resident Respondents:
1 Wayne Chase
Iq
NB RESIDENT & HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION SURVEY
Written Comments
1. Would your association support a ban on gasoline - powered leaf blowers in
residential neighborhoods?
YES
• For exactly the reasons mentioned above — noise, dust and health issues. Our home-
owner rules prohibit leaf blowers, but it's difficult to enforce without a roving guard
every day.
• Noise level exceeds comfort decibel level; in fact, it may be beyond bearable level.
• Debris is just blown from one location to another nothing is achieved.
• They are loud and the gasoline smell is not pleasant. Homeowners complain about
the noise and the smell.
• Yes, the community would appreciate the noise reduction.
• Noise, pollution, spread of dirt and dust.
• Association already has policy in place to ban gas blowers. They are not allowed at
all.
NO
• They are noisy and air polluters.
• Reduce Noise!
• Noise, fumes, density on island (30 X 85f. lots)
• Effectiveness of alternatives
• Older neighborhood. Neither the neighborhood or all homes have needed external
outlets. Just impractical.
• It would mean additional labor for manual cleaning which means additional service
cost to the association. The association can not afford that now.
• Unless gas - powered leaf blowers are allowed on commercial property bordering
residential areas.
• They are useful in many instances. Our labor costs would also increase if our
landscapers had to sweep.
• We restrict the use of blowers until after 9:00am, and we require the use of the low
noise blower.
• Additional expense from landscape company.
15
UNKNOWN
• Has not been addressed in the community.
• We are a Community group with no join area. Our dues are $20.00 per year. We
pay only for a newsletter to those who live between the piers.
• Third party vendors use leaf blowers for convenience of homeowners just prior to
street sweeping and by landscapers on lawn mowing days if necessary.
2. If imposed, should such a ban apply only to individual residential properties or
common areas or both?
BOTH
• Same Reason as #1
• To reduce the noise as a whole
INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTIAL
• Their areas are not as large as common areas.
• Lots are small and can easily be swept —commercial properties' common areas are
generally several thousand square feet & would cause an increase in labor to sweep
certain areas prone to debris or tree litter.
UNKNOWN
• You would have to send a letter to each home owner.
3. Would banning gasoline - powered leaf blowers increase your association's
maintenance budget? (e.g., would your maintenance contract increase ?)
YES
• Cost not known, but did (confirm) with contractor that additional labor hours would
be required.
• Our landscape person will respond, there will be a loss of services because some
areas will go without being cleaned. It isn't just economics.
• Additional manual labor.
• It will increase costs if they cannot be used on commercial property.
• 10%
• The contract would increase but the amount is unknown at this time.
• Up to 2% increase in landscaping for added man hours and /or decreased service in
street sweeping.
• Unknown amount of increase.
1
NO
• Our maintenance company does not use blowers, and even our street sweepers use
brooms to move debris into the middle of the street.
UNKNOWN
• We have no maintenance budget.
4. Would your association support the use of electric - powered leaf blowers as an
alternative to gas - powered blowers?
YES
• Battery powered only
• Provided that the landscaper has the equipment or that they will not pass the cost for
purchase onto their clients.
• If they are available with no cord and are just as effective.
• Doesn't matter if it is gas or electric same situation occurs.
• There are no common area outlets.
• Not practical.
• Not practical and cost prohibitive.
UNKNOWN
• It would depend on the ability to plug them in or charge the battery. Also, the amount
of noise that they generate.
• Send a survey to each home owner.
5. Do you have any other thoughts about this issue we should consider?
• Love Nancy Gardner & EQAC
• We believe that if used properly, blowers are a great landscaping tool.
• Would City consider making a bulk purchase of Electric Powered Blowers and offer
@ a wholesale price to those properties /individuals who sign up and agree to pay for
product $200.00?
• Not at this time
• Make sure that City gets a truly representative sample of residents & that the issue is
fully framed with a pro and con statement. At present the survey will tend to get the
"green" input as older members will not likely take the time to respond.
• We think each Association should work out their own deal with their landscaper.
P
• The Board has been working hard to cut costs due to delinquencies and
foreclosures /short sales. Banning gas powered leaf blowers would cause a price
increase.
• Personally T said don't ban.
f
City of Newport Beach Survey Page 1 of 11
Residential Leaf Blower Survey (9110/2010 - 9/23/2010)
Constituent Type:
Resident: 263
Business: 41
1) Would you support a ban on gasoline - powered leaf blowers in the City's residential
neighborhoods?
Yes 71% (192) Total Respondents: 270
No
Unknown
27% (74)
1%(4)
2) If imposed, should such a ban apply only to residential properties?
No 62% (166) Total Respondents: 268
Yes 29% (79)
Unknown 9% (23)
3) If imposed, should such a ban apply only to commercial properties?
No 86% (228) Total Respondents: 265
Unknown 9% (23)
Yes 50/.(14)
4) If imposed, should such a ban apply only to the homeowner or resident associations'
common areas (ex., greenbelts, parks ) maintenance?
No 78% (207) Total Respondents: 266
Yes 13% (35)
Unknown 9% (24)
5) Would banning gasoline - powered leaf blowers increase your property maintenance
costs?
No 510% (136) Total Respondents: 268
Yes
Unknown
29% (79)
20% (53)
6) Would you support the use of electric - powered leaf blowers?
Yes 44%(116) Total Respondents: 266
No 39% (104)
Unknown 179/o (46)
7) Would you support limiting the hours that gasoline - powered leaf blowers could be used
in residential neighborhoods?
Yes 57% (151) Total Respondents: 265
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey _results.aspx 10/11/2010
City of Newport Beach Survey
No
Unknown
36% (96)
7% (18)
Page 2 of 11
8) Please tell us what area (or street name) of Newport Beach you reside in or conduct your
business:
Corona del Mar 3% (7) Total Respondents: 265
Lido Isle 29/b (4)
Bayshores
2% (4)
Balboa Island
1% (3)
Eastbluff
1% (3)
Port Streets
1% (3)
Harbor Ridge
19/b (2)
Big Canyon
1% (2)
Corona Highlands
1% (2)
Blue Water Dr.
1% (2)
Newport Coast
1% (2)
Balboa Peninsula
1% (2)
One Ford Road
1% (2)
Corona del Mar - Gardenia Way
1% (2)
corona del mar
1% (2)
Lindo Ave, Balboa
0% (1)
321 Marigold Ave.
0% (1)
Irvine Terrace
0% (1)
Bayshores - Our HOA already has a
rule against blowers
0% (1)
320 E balboa Blvd
00/0 (1)
Iris Ave
0% (1)
Goldenrod Avenue
0% (1)
My HOA dues will surely go up if this
is banned. Why is the City governing 0% (1)
by survey?
Via Ithaca, Lido Island 0%(1)
newport shores 0% (1)
WEST NEWPORT 0% (1)
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey_results.aspx 10/11/2010 �, 0
City of Newport Beach Survey Page 3 of 11
Irvine Terrace, Santana St.
0% (1)
W BAy Ave
0% (1)
estelle In
0% (1)
Begonia Ave CDM
0% (1)
Carnation Ave
00% (1)
Goldenrod and 1st Ave.
00/0 (1)
Spyglass Ridge
0% (1)
Finley Ave
0% (1)
20th Street, Newport Pier area.
00/0 (1)
Lido Sands
0% (1)
Heliotrope
0% (1)
Bayview Ave and Santa Ana Ave, I
0% (1)
own two homes
19th Street
00/0 (1)
Breakers drive
0% (1)
Harbor Hills South
0% (1)
Balboa Blvd.
0% (1)
White Cap Lane
0% (1)
via lido soud
00/0 (1)
Balboa Peninsula, 19th & Balboa
0% (1)
Undo Ave., Balboa
0% (1)
Spring Tide Dr. (Harbor Cove @
0% (1)
Santa Barbara & Jamboree)
Fairhill Drive 0% (1)
peninsula 0% (1)
Port Carlisle Place 0% (1)
Bayside Cove 0% (1)
200 Block Goldenrod CDM We used
brooms for hundreds of years until
20 years ago. Now we have dust and 0% (1)
noise from leaf blowers. Using a
broom will not take any longer.
Eastbluff (live) Hospital area (work) 0% (1)
SPYGLASS HILL 0% (1)
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey_results.aspx 10/11/2010 a'
City of Newport Beach Survey
Begonia Ave.
I
0%(1)
34th Street
00/0 (1)
Poinsettia, CdM
0% (1)
409 E. Edgewater, Balboa - same as
above - business home /based - what
happened to the good old broom and 0% (1)
rake.... any blower still pollutes the
air with the particles it is blowing.
Bayside Drive
0% (1)
Baycrest Court
0% (1)
1st Avenue, Corona del Mar (Near
00/0 (1)
Albertsons)
Narcissus Avenue
0% (1)
Esplanade, 92660
00% (1)
Avocado
0% (1)
Balboa peninsula
0% (1)
portica
0% (1)
Bay Avenue @ Island
0% (1)
Island ave Balboa 92661
00/0 (1)
Newport Coast, Pelican Hill
00/0 (1)
Fashion Island, Big Canyon
0% (1)
Spyglass Hill
0% (1)
CDM Begonia between 4th and PCH
0% (1)
white cap lane, newport ridge east &
west. MY issue with the blowers is
0% (1)
with the noise and gas polution.
Same as last response
0% (1)
Heliotrope Ave in Corona del Mar
0% (1)
Les and Helen Wiley 408 Avocado
Avenue Corona Del Mar, CA 92625-
1916 The leaf blower has become
the bain of our existence. Leaf
Blowers should go.They are very 0% (1)
disruptive to the community. There
is no reason leafblowers must be as
noisy as they are. Manufacturers
should quiet their machines or go
into another type of business.
Bonita Canyon 0%(1)
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Page 4 of 11
10/11/2010 j,d
City of Newport Beach Survey
i
Granville Drive Newport Beach
0% (1)
port carlow
0% (1)
Vista Entrada - Eastbluff
0% (1)
1110 Granville Drive
0% (1)
Villa Balboa Condos
0% (1)
Jamboree
0% (1)
Westcliff
0% (1)
Harbor Highlands
0% (1)
Balboa Penn. East Bay ST.
0% (1)
One Ford Road. Gardeners mis -use
leaf blowers and do not pick up
grass and clippings but blow them
0% (1)
back into the garden.
narcissus ave.
0% (1)
1628 W. Oceanfront (why should I
pick up the leaves that landscapers
0% (1)
blow onto my property - they are
lazy - simple as that.
Balboa Penisula
0% (1)
Fernando Street
00% (1)
Marguerite Ave., Corona del Mar
0% (1)
reside 19th street and business
0% (1)
ocean front
cosat highway business and home
on poinsettia
0% (1)
St. Andrews Road
0% (1)
Corsica Drive
00% (1)
el modena ave How about can only
use blowers on certain streets on
0% (1)
specific days only.
Corona Del Mar - Fernleaf Ave.
0% (1)
Balboa Island South Bayfront
00/0 (1)
Balboa Peninsula Balboa Blvd All
0% (1)
Over NB
COMMODORE ROAD NB
00/0 (1)
Waterfront Drive, CdM
0% (1)
Page 5 of 11
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey results.aspx 10/11/2010 �, j
City of Newport Beach Survey Page 6 of 11
Montserrat - Newport Ridge
0%
(1)
Poinsettia CDM
0%
(1)
Pelican Ridge
00%
(1)
Eastbluff, Vista Roma
0%
(1)
700 Lido Park Dr
0%
(1)
the bluffs.
0%
(1)
Ocean Blvd CdM
00/0
(1)
1814 Toyon Lane NB 92660
00%
(1)
West Bay ave and 10th street
0%
(1)
Surfview Lane
0%
(1)
Ruby Ave, Balboa Island - -note: gas
0%
(1)
fumes as well as noise and dust!
Breakers Drive 0% (1)
Area 3. Near Hoag, who runs these 0% (1)
at 5:00 am.
Riverside Avenue
Highland Drive 0%(1)
District 2 0% (1)
Peninsula Point 2145 E. Ocean Blvd. 0% (1)
6003 Seashore Drive. Professional
gardners could get a mower that
also vacuums up the cuttings as
they go along. My neighbor has a
leafblower and I cannot tell you how 0% (1)
annoying, dusty and loud it is. He
gets out there, starts up that thing
and does the front back and sides.
It's all concrete. Yee gads, buy a
broom....
2018 Galaxy Dr.
0% (1)
Marigold Avenue single family
0% (1)
residence, south of PCH
Jasmine Creek
0% (1)
Bonita Canyon
0% (1)
Tiller Way Harbor View Hills South
00/0 (1)
Pacific View & San Miguel
0% (1)
TWIN LAKES CIRCLE, CDM
0% (1)
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower Survey_results.aspx 10/11/2010 n `
City of Newport Beach Survey
Island View Lane Corona del Mar,
0% (1)
Newport Center Drive
Ca. 92625-1309
00%
(1)
Irvine Terrace I'm against all noisy
0% (1)
MacArthur, Bowsprit, Dove
powered blowers anywhere. But esp.
0%
(1)
smelly polluting gas blowers.
0% (1)
1806 Port Stirling PI.
00/0
(1)
32nd Street
0%
(1)
Fernleaf Ave @ Ocean
0%
(1)
Catalina Drive
0%
(1)
1400 Sea Ridge Drive
00%
(1)
408 1/2 Poinsettia
0%
(1)
500 block Redlands ave
0%
(1)
Poinsettia
0%
(1)
2764 Hillside Dr.
00%
(1)
Newport Crest
00/0
(1)
e bay ave on the peninsula
00/0
(1)
all over
00/0
(1)
Narcissus Ave., Corona Del Mar
00%
(1)
92663
0%
(1)
Vista Del Oro
0%
(1)
Cameo Highlands, Com
0%
(1)
galaxy dr
0%
(1)
I manage a facility in the Newport
0%
(1)
Center area.
Corona Del mar 00% (1)
Hillside Drive, Harbor View Knolls 0% (1)
Vista Roma 0% (1)
Orrington Road, Avalon Vista,
0% (1)
Newport Center Drive
Eastbluff area. Alta Vista Dr.
0% (1)
Island View Dr.
0% (1)
MacArthur, Bowsprit, Dove
0% (1)
Shore Cliffs
0% (1)
306 White Cap Lane Newport Coast
0% (1)
Page 7of11
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey_results.aspx 10/11/2010 �,S
City of Newport Beach Survey
Begonia Avenue 0% (1)
CDM (Acacia) 0% (1)
Alta Vista & Bison streets 00/0 (1)
Bluffs, Vista del Oro St, Newport 0% (1)
Beach
Cameo - CdM 0% (1)
Vista Entrada 0% (1)
Villa Balboa- Cagney Lane- Newport
Beach, ca
0% (1)
e. balboa blvd.
0% (1)
Bellis Street Eastbluff
0% (1)
Angelita Drive Irvine Terrace
0% (1)
Harbor Cove
0% (1)
16th Street
00/0 (1)
Ocean Blvd, Corona del Mar
0% (1)
9th street ocean front
0% (1)
OCEAN HEIGHTS, NEWPORT COAST.
09/b (1)
Westcliff /Dover Shores
00/0 (1)
E. Bay Ave
00% (1)
Bison
0% (1)
E. Ocean Blvd, Balboa Peninsula
Point
0% (1)
15th /Monrovia Streets
0% (1)
Larkspur Ave
0% (1)
Bay Avenue, Balboa Peninsula
0 0/0 (1)
Vista Hogar
0% (1)
1661 INDUS STREET
0% (1)
34th Street and Marcus Avenue
0% (1)
marigold ave. cdm
0%(1)
Geranium Ave.
00% (1)
2621 Vista Ornada
0% (1)
Anade Ave.
0%(1)
granville drive
0% (1)
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey_results.aspx
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10/11/2010 a i
City of Newport Beach Survey
Residence: Crystal Cove. Business: 0% (1)
30th St
Big Canyon neighborhood 0%(I)
320 Narcissus 0% (1)
Narbonne 0% (1)
Residence - CDM Village Business - 0% (1)
Balboa Peninsula
CDM
0%
(1)
27 Curl Dr. Jasmine Creek
0%
(1)
Ebbtide Road, CDM
0%(1)
Balboa
00/0
(1)
West Oceanfront
0%
(1)
De Anza Drive, Corona Highlands
0%
(1)
Nerval, Newport Coast Support total
0%
(1)
ban of gas leaf blowers. Don't know
0%
(1)
if electric blowers are quieter.
West Ocean Front
0%
(1)
Kings Place
00/0
(1)
W. Oceanfront
0%(1)
port streets
0%
(1)
Poppy Avenue Corona del Mar
00%
(1)
124 40th street
0%
(1)
3300 Newport Blvd
0%
(1)
I support a complete ban on
leafblowers. The noise and emissions
from leafblowers are disturbing to
residents, whether at home or at a
commercial location. If you work at
home, you have to close the doors
and figure out how to keep out the
noise. If you're at Bristol Farms
having a meal outside, there are 0% (1)
leafblowers and other cleaners being
used starting at 6:30 AM. On
MacArthur the parkways between
Bison and the 73 Fwy (East side) are
landscaped in grass and the
leafblower brigade is there in the
AM. They could convert to other
plants and eliminate lawnmowing
and leafblowing together. Electric
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Page 9 of 11
10/11/2010 a1
City of Newport Beach Survey Page 10 of 11
blowers are improvement, but only a
stop gap. Perhaps the City
Landscaping Maintenance team &
Code Enforcement could work with
Commercial locations and their
industry organization local chapters
to implement landscaping
alternatives which require less
trimming and sweeping, (as perhaps
less H20). Thank you
Newport Shores 0% (1)
OCEAN VISTA IN THE COMMUNITY 0 0/0 (1)
OF "SEA ISLAND"
Carnation ave
0% (1)
Residence: Lido Isle Business:
0% (1)
Fashion Island
Hilaria
00% (1)
Private Road
0% (1)
Shorecliff Rd.
0% (1)
Harding Street Balboa
0% (1)
rollypulaski @sbcglobal.net
Corona del Mar /Poinsettia Ave
0% (1)
East Bluff / University
0% (1)
Fernleaf
0% (1)
Bayside Dr.
0% (1)
Narcissus
0% (1)
Newport Heights
0% (1)
peninsula point
0%(1)
West Balboa Blvd.
0% (1)
Sierra Vista
00% (1)
bayport way
0%(1)
Begonia Ave
0% (1)
Hilltop Drive - Harbor View Knoll
0% (1)
Irvine Terrace- Angelita Drive
00/0 (1)
Spring Tide Dr.
0% (1)
Fernleaf Ave
0% (1)
newport heights
0% (1)
/. n
https: / /www5.newportboachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey_results.aspx 10/11/2010
City of Newport Beach Survey
Old Course Drive
0%(1)
Peninsula Point
0%
(1)
harbor view hills
0%
(1)
Villa Point
0%
(1)
Marguerite
0%
(1)
Heliotrope and 4th. CDM
0%
(1)
Begonia avenue, CDM
0%
(1)
Surfview Lane, Corona Del Mar
0%
(1)
https: / /www5.newportbeachca.gov /surveys /leafblower survey_results.aspx
Page 11 of 11
10/11/2010 a j
so
Attachment B
NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
10.28.045 Real Property Maintenance —Noise Regulations.
A. Weekdays and Saturdays. No person shall, while engaged in maintenance of real
property, operate any tool, equipment or machine in a manner which produces loud noise
that disturbs, or could disturb, a person of normal sensitivity who works or resides in the
vicinity, except between the hours of seven a.m. and six -thirty p.m., Monday through
Friday, nor on any Saturday, except between the hours of eight a.m. and six p.m.
B. Sundays and Holidays. No person shall, while engaged in maintenance of real property,
operate any tool, equipment or machine in a manner which produces loud noise that
disturbs, or could disturb, a person of normal sensitivity who works or resides in the
vicinity, on any Sunday or any federal holiday.
C. No landowner, gardener, property maintenance service, contractor, subcontractor or
employer shall permit or allow any person or persons working under their direction and
control to operate any tool, equipment or machine in violation of the provisions of this
section.
D. After January 1, 1996, mechanical blowers, as defined in Section 6.04.055, shall not be
operated at a noise level that exceeds an A- weighted sound pressure level of seventy (70)
dBA, as measured at a distance of fifty (50) feet. After January 1, 1999, such equipment
shall not be operated at a noise level that exceeds an A- weighted sound pressure level of
sixty -five (65) dBA, as measured from a distance of fifty (50) feet.
E. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:
1. Emergency property maintenance authorized by the Building Director;
2. The maintenance, repair or improvement of any public work or facility by public
employees, by any person or persons acting pursuant to a public works contract, or by
any person or persons performing such work or pursuant to the direction of or on
behalf of, any public agency; provided, however, this exception shall not apply to the
City of Newport Beach, or its employees, contractors or agents, unless:
a. The City Manager or department director determines that the maintenance,
repair or improvement is immediately necessary to maintain public service,
b. The maintenance, repair or improvement is of a nature that cannot feasibly be
conducted during normal business hours,
31
c. The City Council has approved project specifications, contract provisions, or an
environmental document that specifically authorizes construction during hours of
the day which would otherwise be prohibited pursuant to this section;
3. Greens maintenance on golf courses conducted between the hours of six a.m. and
eight p.m. and all other types of golf course maintenance between the hours of seven
a.m. and eight p.m., provided no maintenance activity commences before six a.m.
F. Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor
unless the violation is deemed an infraction pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.04.010 of this
Code. (Ord. 2001 -4 § 3 (part), 2001: Ord. 95 -38 § 3 (part), 1995)
10.28.050 Exceptions.
The provisions of Sections 10.28.040 and 10.28.045 shall not be construed to prohibit such work
at different hours by or under the direction of any other public agency in cases of necessity or
emergency. (Ord. 2001 -4 § 3 (part), 2001: Ord. 95 -38 § 3 (part), 1995)
Attachment C
Oranadd owar
RESIDE\TSA5 MLtTIOn
Dedicated to preserving the ynality° (.)fife of coninnsiniv smcc 198?1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
PRESIDENT:
Karen Tringeh
February 8, 2010
VICE PRESIDENT:
Corona del Mar Residents Association
Debra Allen
Co: Sharon Woods, Assistant City Manger
TREASURER:
City Council Members
Marjorie Sawyer
City of Newport Beach
SECRETARY:
Elizabeth Torelli
3400 Newport Beach Boulevard
EMAIL
Newport Beach, CA 92663
CdM Village:
Michael Taerge
RE: February 9, 2010 Study Session: Leaf Blower Regulations
Bettye Butterworth
Pan] Bartlan
Council Members,
Elizabeth Torelli
Paul Glowienke
In October 2009, the Corona del Mar Residents Association Board authorized an
Bonnie Duckworth
email poll of its members to ask their opinion about leaf blower usage n Newport
Bud Rasher
Beach. We were aware of EQAC's work in this area and wanted to see how our
Dennis Baker
members would respond.
IRVINE TERRACE:
Val Share
Over 55% of our responding members want an outright ban of leaf blowing
Bernie Svalstad
equipment; 85% of our responding members want either an outright ban, stricter
limits on emissions and decibles, or restricted days/hours of operation.
HARBOR VIEW HILLS:
Debra Allen
CdMRA members were consistently concemed with not only the noise pollution,
but also air quality and water quality impacts created by blowing debris around
CORONA HIGHLANDS:
our neighborhoods and into our streets, particulady concerning in areas like
Carl Jeremlas
Corona del Mar Village which has small lots with homes in close proximity to
SHORE CLIFFS:
each other.
Sandie Haskell
The Corona del Mar Residents Association Board, based on the strength,
CAMEO HIGHLANDS:
consensus and statistical significance of our membership poll results,
Marjorie Sawyer
recommends that Newport Beach City Council ban leaf blowing equipment in our
Karen Tringali
city, as other California cities have done. Nothing short of an outright ban will
effect the change that is needed to improve our air, noise and water quality.
CAMEO SHORES
Laura Dietz
Sincerely,
MEMBERS AT URGE:
THE TERRACES
Margaret RyckaIr
Board of Directors
Roberta Kuhlmann
Corona del Mar Residents Association
JASMINE CREEK
Co: Sharon Woods, Assistant City Manger
Bill Sun.
Bruce Beardsley
Arlene Greer, EQAC Chair
WERSITE:
www.cdmra.arg
EMAIL
Mfo@a cdmra.org
3334 East Coast Highway #179 CN P.O. Box 1500 fo Corona del Mar, California 92625
33
04W
�[!l?711CF del C;War
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS R.ECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
CdM Residents Assn Member & Community Correspondence
CdM Residents Assn Landscape Equipment Poll 2009
1. Should leaf blowers be controlled for noise and pollution emissions in Newport Beach?
If so, how (outright equipment ban, more stringent standards, more restricted hours of
operation, permitting operation only on certain days by neighborhood)?
2. Should commercial gardeners have different guidelines /restrictions than residential
gardeners?
Poll ResulLs
1. 567 emails sent to CdMRA Members (77% of membership; 9% of all CdM households)
2. 104 responses received (18% response rate; our highest ever recorded)
3. 71 % of respondents were from the Village; 21 % from planned communities
4. 55% want an outright ban; 85% want to either ban or limit emissions, days /hours, or
decibels on residential usage
5. 15% do not support any changes on residential usage
6. 44% also wanted to limit commercial usage in some way; 43% did not answer that
question.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
More stringent noise and pollution standards; commercial gardeners should have same
guidelines /restrictions as for residential.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMq
The leaf blowers are a real problem - we hear them pretty much all day every day. I work
from home and oftentimes have to close the windows to hear my conference calls. I propose 2
weekdays and one weekend day for ALL landscaping activities that require a great deal of noise.
The lawnmowers are every bit as offensive and noisy as the leaf blowers. If everyone manages
to move their cars to the proper side of the street twice a week and can take their trash out on
time, this shouldn't be much of an inconvenience...
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSE)
We favor a residential ban in the village because of the close proximity of the homes. It is
too hard to enforce noise and pollution emissions. We don't favor restricting blowers on
commercial property.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 1 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
JU
&(�W
C7Can� C�P.ICn MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
10/21/09 Email: (Cameo Shores)
think leaf blowers should be banned in Newport Beach.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
Yes, they should be banned completely, an outright ban; at least for homeowners.
Commercial and Homeowner Associations have more need, but for homeowners it is just
laziness that gardeners have to use leaf blowers. District 6, especially, the flower streets of CDM
and other areas of Newport Beach of which there are many, are so close to each other, are
particularly impacted by this awful ongoing noise. I am a horticultural consultant and have lived
and worked here most of my life. I consult for over 15 homeowner associations including
Newport Coast Master and Crystal Cove. Blowers are used less in the HOA's than they are in
residential properties. I notice that the gardeners at private homes on the flower streets where I
live in CdM, blow for sometimes 20 -30 minutes in a tiny yard, which is ridiculous. It seems to me
they just use up time with an easy task so they can say they were at this residence for a specific
period of time. I know how gardeners charge, and if they just did a quick mow and blow, they
could not justify charging for an hour of their time. Rakes and brooms work just fine, and it
honestly is not much more time than using a blower. My vote would be to ban all blowers
everywhere, but I would be very happy if they were just banned from residential properties. It
truly is noise pollution. Thank you for letting me voice my opinion.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMS"
All Zones: All internal combustion landscape maintenance equipment in all zones should
be required to have an operational and effective muffler.
Residential Zones: Ban leaf blowers in residential zones.
Commercial Zones: Allow leaf blowers so long as they comply with the requirement to be
equipped with an operational and effective muffler.
10/21/09 Emaif: (CdMNE)
I'm in favor of regulation to limit noise of leaf blowers on residential properties in CDM
10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
Please place a complete ban on Leaf Blowers. There are 10 -15 times per week that I
hear them, when I am at home trying to work.
10/21/09 Email: (Cameo Highlands)
My wife and I own two homes in Corona del Mar and we would support an outright ban
on the gas - powered leaf blowers. Give the gardeners six months to transition to an electric -only
leaf blower (very little noise)...
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 2
Prepared on: November 28, 2009
5S
CA-11�-Iq
C tuna del C-far
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
10/21/09 Email: (Sailhouse)
It is ridiculous that leaf blowers cannot be used or are restricted!
10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
Liz: Please ban all leaf blowers in Corona del Mar.
Marty: I am in favor of outright ban of leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods as well
as commercial areas. This might increase the use of vacuums. I think that they could be used in
commercial areas, as long as their noise levels and air pollution levels are regulated.
10/21/09 Email: (Corona Highlands)
I think the regulations should apply to any gardeners, commercial or residential, who
operate Leaf Blowers within 500 feet of a residence and the use of Leaf Blowers should not be
allowed except during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. M -F and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sat
and Sunday.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMNE)
I feel that leaf blowers should at the very least be tightly controlled, but would prefer they
go away entirely. Here in CDM so many residences use gardeners that just making the rules for
businesses would not help much. Both businesses and residences should be included.
What ever happened to rakes? But seriously I understand that some cities have required
that any leaf blowers used should be ones that have less impact and noise than the common
ones - worth exploring?
10/21/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
This is a very important issue to me. I believe there should be a complete ban on leaf
blowers, or at the very least some regulation so they are not blowing all times of the day every
day of the week (even on Saturdays across the alley). On some days there is exhaust and dust
coming through all of my windows. I find it hard to breathe. This cannot be healthy and is
occurring on a daily basis. I pity anyone with asthma or any other breathing problems. Not to
mention the noise!!
Other cities have accomplished bans /regulations as I am sure Newport/Corona del Mar
can do as well. Something needs to be done. I lived for 27 years on the Peninsula and the
problems didn't seem as bad there as it is now in Corona del Mar (I live on Marigold). Just about
every single residence has a gardner that uses a leaf blower - all on different days at different
times. Please let me know any way I can help!
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSW)
1. Yes. Outright equipment ban. ; 2. No (do not exclude commercial gardners]
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 3 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
I)
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G?1OylCl del CVar
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
10/21/09 Email: (Cameo Shores)
I am definitely in favor of a ban on leaf blowers, similar to the one in Laguna. My reasons
are:
1. They contribute to our already overloaded pollution problem. After the gardeners in
adjoining properties have serviced their properties, I can actually wipe off the soot that is carried
onto our outside furniture. We have asked our gardener to not use his blower. I'd rather live with
the leaves in the garden area and sweep the ones in the patio area.
2. The noise is often deafening.
3. From observation, it seems the blowers are used to just relocate the leaves to another
area, where they remain.
4. It would be wonderful if this ban applied to commercial areas also. However, this
might not be feasible, time or money -wise.
10121/09 Email: (CdMW)
I think they should limit the time and they can be used if at all.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSW)
I would like to see them banned. All they do is rearrange what they blow, and make a
terrible noise. A broom is more effective and noise free.
10/21/09 Email: (HVH South)
I definitely think we need to consider options for residential gardeners to limit their use (if
any) of leaf blowers and consider how other communities have reduced their noise pollution with
these machines. Perhaps we start with residential gardeners since I don't think the commercial
property has as big a noise impact on the family neighborhoods.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSW)
Leave the leaf blowers alone! This is just another attack on our freedoms. There just are
some inconveniences of modern living. And, why regulate their use only for residential property.
This is ridiculous discrimination!
Another example of too much government interference is removing the fire rings that
have been on Corona del Mar beach for years. I have lived above them for 24 years and they
cause no problem for me. If people stay past closing or drink alcohol, that's what the police are
for, and they have the time to enforce the closing time.
Need some more suggestions to further take away our pleasures, conveniences, and
freedoms? I'll help:
1. Pass an anti noise beach law. No screaming, laughing or any other loud noise in or out of
the water while on the beach. No crying allowed either.
2. Find a way to quite the pounding surf. I hear it at night.
3. Shoot or poison all the noisy sea lions and the Great Blue Heron in trees.
4. Ban UPS trucks and other large vehicles from CDM streets.
5. Remove the "bark" from all dogs. Better yet, ban dogs from CDM period. No more messes
to pick up or step in that way.
6. Eliminate the Police helicopter and eliminate all code three "red lights and sirens" from
emergency vehicles.
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7. No more power tools, jack hammers, power lawn mowers etc.
8. Ban jet take offs from John Wayne airport. Better yet, ban all airplanes.
9. Only allow people who live at odd numbered addresses to leave their property every other
day. Even - numbered property the other days. This would half the traffic and other
congestion in our village.
10. Ban skateboards, motorcycles and other vehicles that make noise.
I could go on, but I think you can take it from here. Life used to be free and fun
until they invented legislators, lawmakers and city councilmen.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSE)
I'm sorry to say that because I have to use a leaf blower due to the constant droppings
from the city trees on Narcissus, I cannot vote to ban them from use on residential property. Isn't
there already a time of day restriction?
10/21/09 Email: (HVH)
Many leaf blowers in our neighborhood, even on separate streets, are simply too loud. If
muting is a reasonable possibility then it should be enforced on all residential lots.
10121109 Email: (Shorecliffs)
A leaf blower is a leaf blower is a leaf blower. They all create dust and noise that travel
far beyond the lot lines. Nothing but a Laguna style outright ban will solve the problem. Focus
need to be on the residents. Commercial landscapers will adjust. When I first moved to Newport
Beach [1965] life was fine without blowers; we don't need them now!
10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
Thank you for the informative report on leaf blowers. I have often wished that Corona del
Mar had a ban on these machines. Our homes are so close together and our "lawns" are so
small there really isn't a need for their use. They mostly blow the debris from one spot to another.
A broom and a dust pan would do the same job quietly and cleanly, and we don't have acres to
sweep. We also hear a chorus of the machines because of our homes being close together, or
else non -stop use throughout the week (including early Saturday or Sunday.)
10/21/09 Email: (Jasmine Creek)
It makes no sense to make regulations that cannot be enforced!!
10/21109 Email: (CdMNW)
I would like to see things vacuumed rather than blown!! People can dispose of debris
properly with vacuums instead of blowing it into the air and onto other property. The vacuums
should be electric!! Noise baffles for vacuum exhausts are available and they have minimal affect
on sucking power.
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10/21/09 Email: (CdMSW
I have no objection to the gardeners and their leaf blowers. I can only assume they
would have to rake or sweep the residue and stay a lot longer.
10/21/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
YES, absolutely. I recommend an outright equipment ban, but at a minimum, restricted
hours of operation from 9AM -4PM, M -F. They are very annoying and I don't like hearing them on
my only days off work (Sat -Sun).
Commercial gardeners should be held to the same guidelines /restrictions
10/21/09 Email: (Shorecliffs)
I am opposed to the use of leaf blowers in residential areas in Corona del Mar; I would
support the continued use of leaf blowers in public areas and common areas in local
developments.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMNE)
I think leaf blowers should be eliminated from residential neighborhoods like Corona del
Mar. The homes are too close together and gardeners use them to blow dirt from one house to
another. The environmental issues alone should cause serious concerns. The noise issue is
another matter. The noise cannot be controlled unless blowers are banned altogether.
Commercial properties should be exempt due to size and the lack of supervision. Residential
areas have homeowners who are able to use a broom.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMNE)
Residential Yes they should be controlled. No weekend use at a minimum.
Commercial: Depends upon time of day and day of week. If the ban is only during
weekends, then commercial gardeners shall live by the same guidelines. Restricting hours of
operation during the week may be a compromise. Maybe the requirements could be based on a
minimum distance from a residential zone. The City should not be exempt from whatever
requirements are imposed.
10/21/09 Email: ( CdMNE)
I think the leaf blowers that run by gas should be banned, commercial or residential.
There are electric options available that are silent and free of exhaust.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSIIV)
YES; Outright Equipment Ban; and commercial gardeners should have same restrictions.
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10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
a ban on leaf blowers would be optimum. if this is not possible, then to make the noise
somewhat tolerable; limiting the operation of leaf blowers to a single day in each neighborhood
would be the best compromise. rakes don't pollute, nor use fuel, nor do they blow leaves and dirt
into the street or the neighbors' yard
10/21/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
I say we have enough rules and restrictions already. Plus it is not fair unless it applies to all
users, including the city in the parks.
10/21/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
Leaf blowers should not be allowed in CDM. A rake and a brush is just as effective, less
noisy and more environmentally friendly. Commercial gardeners should be held to same
restrictions.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMNE)
My two cents worth!! Absolutely!!! The neighbor's gardener has gotten a new blower
(old one was loud) and this one is ten times louder.... When he runs the blower down the 150 feet
long cavern between properties it echoes even louder and sound like a 747 taking a short cut
down the walk way ... There has got to be a quieter model blower out there - OR maybe go back to
the old fashion broom—Talked to his gardener Monday and told him the NB is talking about
quieter blowers.... IF people around or next to commercial areas (ie. apartments facing the
common areas) object to the noise ... then they should have same restrictions.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMNW)
I think leaf blowers should be limited to one day a week only. While I understand the
need for them, the noise is unbearable at times - especially when occurring almost daily!
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSW)
One man's opinion: Leaf blowers should be controlled for noise and pollution emissions
in Newport Beach. Controls should include:
• Limited hours of operation - the same as construction activities something like 7 am to 5
pm M -F, 8 - 1 on Saturday.
• Limited noise - the same as for car stereos - something like not more than 20dB at 20'.
• Limited pollution - no internal combustion engines. Blower motors should be electric.
• Limited pollution - the product of any such blowing must be collected and disposed of
properly in either a waste container or ideally a compost pile.
• No limit on or restrictions on use by neighborhood.
The guidelines and restrictions for commercial gardeners SHOULD BE THE SAME as those for
residential gardeners.
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10/21/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
We should ban leaf blowers due to noise, pollution, and also because they tend to blow
waste from their yard to the neighbors. I live in CDM on Larkspur, and the gardeners next door
continue to blow grass clippings, and weeds into my garden bed. Commercial gardeners should
have the same restrictions.
10/21/09 Email: (Spyglass Hill)
Don't you have any more serious problems to address ?. A little noise in blowing leaves
isn't an issue.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
1. I favor a stronger restriction on the noise level generated by blowers. In addition, it has
been my experience that similar noise levels result from gas - powered lawn mowers in our
area. I believe the restriction should apply to all gardening implements that exceed a
certain (fairly low) db level,
2. 1 feel that commercial gardeners working in close proximity to homes should be held to
the same standards. There are ways to quiet gardening machinery.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMNE)
I don't mind the gardeners' blower noise as long as it doesn't go on for a long time.
Some of the blowers are pretty noisy, however. Perhaps a control on the decibel level could be
recommended.
10121/09 Email: (CdMNW)
Restrict completely. Commercial gardeners should have different guidelines.
10/21/09 Email: (HVH South)
I understand the facts that the noise of leaf blowers can be seriously damaging to ears
and hearing, and to lungs and the respiratory system. These facts are based on scientific
knowledge of medical professionals.
Individuals who use leaf blowers may not understand or comprehend the serious long
term health consequences. They work at risk.
I believe that administrators who have the understanding and power to control at least
some of the health damage, also have the responsibility to do something about the problem even
if it is only a type of informational educational campaign to inform and encourage people about
the above scientific facts.
Homeowners who have the education, and understanding and power to control at least
some of the health damage from leaf blowers to themselves and their employees also have a
responsibility to do something about the problem.
20 years ago, I as a homeowner, requested my gardener to never use a leaf blower, and
he did not object. It was that simple. I still have that same gardener working in our garden
weekly. He rakes and sweeps, uses a little water which is confined to flower beds, (not the
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street). We don't have all that dust, dirt, and mold blowing on the plants , patio furniture, or parked
cars on the street. He and his crew can work our garden more peacefully, without the dust,
exhaust and noise of the blower.
Appropriate professionals advise us with their unique body of knowledge. We should
make decisions based on their expertise. Homeowners who care may only need to make the
simple request to garden without noisy dusty blowers. Sometimes people only need "permission"
to request a change in routine.
Homeowners who don't have a sense of responsibility may need to be motivated by laws
and fines. I would start with education first, in an active campaign for voluntary control of the leaf
blowers which damage both body and peace of mind. Advertising professionals should be
consulted for a motivational campaign. Get experts.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSE)
An outright Ban is our preference, unless mufflers could be added along with a time
schedule conducive to neighborhood peace. Electric blowers, rather than gasoline driven
machines, would reduce the noise level. We could approve a modified rule for commercial
properties.
10/21/09 Email: (HVH)
Simply put, I categorically object to leaf blowers. People have managed with brushes and
shovels for centuries.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSW)
I don't think you should disallow leaf blowers. It is the only way the job can be done
efficiently. However. I think we need a time established when workers can come and do lawns.
There needs to be a rule that no one can work on any residential property before 8:00 a.m.
at the earliest. Even 9:00 a.m. would be nice.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMW)
I am in favor of a complete ban on the use of leaf blowers by gardeners on residential
property. As used by many gardeners, the garden cuttings are only moved to other locations,
such as corners or streets, and not permanently removed at all. In addition, the leaf blowers
create noise and dust pollution. I would like the rules to apply to all gardeners in the city, not just
the ones who work on residential property.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSW)
recommend a total ban on leaf blowers in CDM just as they have in Laguna Beach. The
noise levels and air pollution report show cause for concern for the health of the residents in our
small community with houses so close together.
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10/21/09 Email: (CcIMNE)
I vote for an outright leaf blower ban both for residential and commercial. Why on earth
would anyone want them to be different ? ?? ? ....... they both are an extreme annoyance for the
intrusive noise nuisance as well as polluting the air we breathe with their fumes and the debris
they blow around and into our gutters and alleys only to end up in our ocean. When we had our
office in Newport Center we were bombarded with the noise from the gardeners outside even
though we were in a building with windows that could not be opened ... and now. I for one, am sick
and tired of my Friday mornings wake up at 7 AM .... from my neighbors' gardeners just 3 feet from
my bedroom window with a blower that sounds like a jet plane taking off .... back and forth for a
minimum of 10 minutes along with the choking fumes.... even the best ear plugs can't mute that
sound. A full ban would be such a relief for all of us who suffer.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMSq
There definitely should be a ban on noisy lawn work in the early hours of the morning. At
present, NB allows work to begin at 7 AM, 8 on weekends. That is too early. My neighbor's
gardener comes to work on Sat. am and begins using the leaf blower promptly at 8. Of course
the fumes are annoying, and I'd love a ban on gasoline powered blowers for both commercial and
residential properties, but I'd be surprised if a law like that would be enforced even if it was
passed. Thank you for surveying residents.
10/21/09 Email: (CdMNW)
My vote is to leave it as it is. By segregating the blowing to certain times in certain
communities will do nothing to lessen the amount of noise. It will just allow some days /times to be
quiet and the others to be ultra- noisy. The same amount of leaf blowing will be going on.
10/21/09 Phone Call: (HVH)
Absolutely no weekends for any landscaping equipment. We should ban gas blowers for
pollution and noise.
10/22/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
All leaf blowers, residential and commercial should be banned. It effects our health,
property values with excessive pollution (noise and air), and productivity. Productivity because a
lot of Newport and CDM residents are self employed or have home office. The cities with a flat
ban against any kind of leaf blowers have had the most success implementing the ban - like
Laguna Beach has done.
10/22/09 Email: (Jasmine Creek)
Gardeners usually use leaf blowers instead of brooms. Sweeping will take them a lot
more time. Are people willing to pay gardeners more to sweep than blow?
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10/22/09 Email: (HVH South)
It is my opinion that leaf blowers should be banned completely from Corona Del Mar.
When I had gardeners, I banned the use of them on my property and would place my broom out
each week for them to sweep my patio and sidewalk. Gardeners do not seem to own brooms
these days. Not only is the noise a problem, but the blowers throw dust and debris into the air,
into your pool and all over the sides of your house, doors and window ledges. I now no longer
have gardeners as I have converted to a synthetic lawn. My lawn looks beautiful year around, no
more lawn clippings in my pool, dramatically reduced water bill, no more fertilizer or chemicals
washing into the bay, etc.
10/22/09 Email: (HVH)
No controls on leaf blowers; commercial and residential should be the same.
10/22/09 Email: (CdMNE)
am definitely in favor of banning leaf blowers. They are unhealthy, including for those
who use them, and they really disturb the peace in lovely Corona del Mar.
10/22/09 Email: (CdMSW)
Yes Equipment ban!. For commercial gardeners limited hours and more noise
abatement.
10/22/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
In the name of the health & safety of not only the citizens, but the uneducated,
unprotected layman doomed to neurosis & or cancer from lead & arsenic poisoning, they must be
banned entirely. It is cruel & wrong to subject unknowing workers to Ethyl lead from the carbon
monoxide (one amongst other human poisons from the machine), but then also arsenic or worse
should heaven forbid the blower touch asphalt. Even if they themselves were provided masks, it
would not protect our children, elderly, or afflicted. The ones privileged & educated well enough to
prevent death causing disease(especially when the age old rake & broom is the prevention, &
such an obvious & easy solution), are mandated to do so no matter if you are asking Church or
State. It's not just ethics, it's indisputable science in this day & age. Not respecting this new
information is now irrefutably harmful. Before the science, & all the general public had to go on
was noise pollution, & a sense that something was wrong about it, has now been proof their
instincts were correct. Whomever's "convenience" it is in using leaf blowers today, it is not the
consumer, the user, the worker, or even the landscaping business, who's workers will certainly
have trouble down the road. It may only be the manufacturer itself left who at all benefits from this
supposed "convenience" of leaf blowers, for it is extremely short sighted & uneducated. ALL will
be better for completely banning the leaf blowers. Especially the worker who is stronger,
healthier, with a greater muscle mass, smarter & able to finish school, & stay out of jail (but not if
they are breathing lead poisoning all day at work, instead of using a rake/ broom). Eliminating the
noise pain is just a bonus for doing the right thing in protecting our people. Approaching the
peoples whom fear this to be costly in time or effort, can be far more easily motivated when given
the truths that set them free. It's not even a sacrifice when knowing the quality of life goes up for
them especially. That it is done for their protection, maybe even more so than our own. It can be
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done. It should be done. We are willing to try. Get a majority on even one street to pilot
something, & lead the way. If they can see it, they can do it. If whomever is on the board has any
difficulty pulling up (Googling Harmful Health Hazards of....., news coverage of arsenic released
by blowers from the asphalt, etc.) Call me. I'm happy, & honored to help. O.C. Diplomat for
Healthychild.org, U.S.G.B.C. member, H.V.P.F.O. Board Member
10/22/09 Email: (CdMSW)
Thank you for the amount of effort you have put into keeping us updated on this issue.
Leaf blowers in residential areas should be totally banned. Particularly in the village area of
CDM, the lots and landscaping are not such that they require a great deal of maintenance — small
lots, minimal landscaping. Regarding the commercial portion, while presenting the same issues —
air quality and noise — there is more "insulation " from these issues in commercial buildings and
areas. The exception to this would be those commercial areas adjacent to residential areas in
the Village section of Corona del Mar. At least in our case, there was no increase in cost when
we told our gardeners we would prefer they sweep rather than use a leaf blower. They gladly
complied.
10/22/09 Email: (CdMNE)
No controls for residential gardeners; no controls for commercial gardeners. I do not
believe in any restrictions on leaf blowers.
10/22/09 Email: (CdMSW)
Yes. More restricted hours of operation. Perhaps between 10 and 5. Commercial
gardeners should have different guidelines. Normally residences are not near commercial
properties. Homeowner Assoc. should have ability to specify operations in areas under their
control.
10/22/09 Email: (Shore Cliffs)
I think leaf BLOWERS should be band due to the air pollution they cause. They should
have to use the VACUME type systems. The noise is temporary, although aggravating. The dirt
that is blown around is disgusting.
10/22/09 Email: (Jasmine Creek)
No, let's not control leaf blowers. Why don't we save our energies for the things that
really matter.
10/22/09 Email: (CdMSW)
Yes, leaf blowers should be controlled for both commercial & residential. I'd like to see
them only be able to operate during the week (no weekends) and only during certain hours
(maybe 9 am - 3 pm). Hope this helps bring us closer to a resolution to this issue, thanks!!
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10/22/09 Email: (CdMSW)
If there is going to be a ban on leaf blowers, I think it should apply to all venues within the
city.
10/22109 Email: (CdMW)
I say ban them completely. Laguna Beach and other cities have already done so.
10/22/09 Email: (Corona Highlands)
My friends at Bayshores said it is outlawed there. A friend from Laguna said it was
outlawed there. I think it should be outlawed in all of Corona del Mar. I live in Corona Highlands
and put in synthetic lawn to be able to save water, AND get rid of our gardener. However, our
neighbors still have "blowers" and the noise and dirt in the air (and homes) is awful. I walk in the
mornings along PCH and the businesses, and they just create dirt and blow everything into the
streets when using the blowers.
10/22/09 Email: (CdMS"
How would one control a Leaf Blower for noise and pollution? I think they are handy and
time saving, I'm glad my gardener uses one. It only takes him a few minutes, I can stand the
noise for that short time.
10/22109 Email: (CdM Resident)
Yes, leaf blowers should be controlled. Only those with the lowest db rating should be
used. Perhaps only electric blowers should be allowed and those need to meet the db
restrictions as well. I'm also in favor of a ban on blowers and a return to the rake and broom. No,
commercial gardeners should not have a different set of guidelines.
10/22/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
Turn the leaf blowers off
10/23/09 Email: (CdMSE)
Ban Leaf Blowers in residential areas
10/23/09 Email: (Jasmine Park)
I'm opposed to the use of leaf blowers and my gardener is not allowed to use them on my
property. Gardeners abuse these devices which, by their nature are noisy, and more importantly,
air polluters. Additionally they are now used to clean out gutters, flower beds (which also removes
topsoil) and anything else that keeps the gardener from having to sweep, rake or bend over. This
activity is obnoxious in that it disburses /launches EVERYTHING else besides the leaves into the
air to be distributed in the form of fine particles over a wide area of the neighborhood. The
gardeners argue that this saves labor and banning the devices would cost them jobs and cause
unemployment. Well, this is a straw argument as (mentioned above) the gardeners use them to
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disburse debris as much as possible to avoid having to dispose of it. NOT the intended use. I'm
happy to pay a bit extra to have my gardener use a broom and rake which takes very little extra
time and leaves the area as it was before they arrived —clean and soil intact.
10123109 Email: (CdMW)
My choices (all should be enacted): stringent standards (I don't believe there are
standards now); more restrictive hours of operation than the 7 to 10 and no Sundays (perhaps
weekdays only from 8 to 5); operation only on certain days by neighborhood (perhaps the day
before street sweeping).
10/26/09 Email: ( CdMNE)
Leaf blowers should be banned! Having said that I don't believe it will happen! I believe
strongly that the CdM neighborhood would benefit by regulation of both restricted hours and days
(no usage on Weekends) Commercial should have the same guidelines as residence of the
Village essentially live in the commercial district. The reasoning for my opinion is as follows:
Noise pollution; Dust particulates (everything from dust and pesticides to animal and rodent
feces); No actual cleaning takes place the dust and leaves re settle on the adjacent residential
property and the process starts all over; Sweeping has the same net result and contrary to most
opinions takes about the same time and effort for residential areas; The commercial blowers blow
dust, dirt and oil laden particulates into the street gutter to the ocean and onto neighboring
residential.
10/26/09 Email: (CdMNE)
Thank you for the opportunity to give my opinion for this poll. This leaf blower issue is one
that I find very important as it annoys me several times each week. I can practically set my clock
by the neighbors' gardeners blowers. In fact I cannot use my phone (and I have a home office)
when the gardeners are using their blowers. So this not only cuts into the quiet enjoyment of my
property but also disrupts the conducting of my business which is legally operated from my home.
I believe that we should outright ban leaf blowers in neighborhoods that have small lots like CdM
and suggest that such a ban be made based on lot size. After all how hard it is for a worker to
rake and sweep by hand on a lot that is 30' x118' when most of the land is covered with the
structure? My suggestion is to ban the blowers on any lot that is under 7100 square feet. This
would cover even a CdM lot that is 60'x 118'- are they even anymore of those left?
10/26/09 Email: (CdMNE)
Outright ban.
10/27/09 Email: (HVHS)
Thanks for even being willing to discuss the issue. I am definitely against leaf blowers,
for all the reasons we probably all state. They are excessively noise and pollution producing. As
I drive around town and watch them in action; most of the time the gardeners whether
homeowner or association, blow the cuttings and dirt from the yard and sidewalk into the street. I
suppose they figure our city street sweepers will eventually pick it up. The second main concern
for me is the air pollution. Being a person with asthma, leaf blowers are a health concern for me.
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The small particles thrown into the air are the most damaging for all lungs. Newport Beach is
known in the county for its clean air and quality of life. Eliminating leaf blowers would increase
our desirability.
10/27/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
We feel that leaf blowers should be completely banned from residential and commercial
use.
10/28/09 Email: (CdM)
I believe the only way to control the noise and pollution emissions from leaf blowers is to
outright ban them. To do anything other would only invite some to push the limits and go around
the restrictions. I also believe this ban should apply to ALL gardeners in Newport, INCLUDING
commercial and City Parks.
10/28/09 Email: (The Terraces)
LUNG CANCER: Anyone give THAT a thought? What bothers me the most, is that no
government body or medical profession has come out with the concern of WHAT ARE LEAF
BLOWERS doing to our lungs? Does anyone consider that all the dirt and debris blown into our
gutters is then blown into the air for our own lungs to filter out? I'd like to know the stats on lung
cancer in So Cal; in other places, like Chicago where I'm from, the weather, of course prohibits
using the L.Bs year round. But us, we have it day after day after day. Pis, get medical
professionals in on this; noise is one thing, but I just put up with that, but the debris my lungs
have to filter out is quite another and a BIG concern of mine. I've been on this bandwagon for
years, but no one seems to be addressing this issue!
10128/09 Email: (CdMW)
I remember when gardeners raked and swept and they never complained. The only
thing that blowers do is blow the debris from one place to another. Outlaw blowers completely.
10/29/09 Email: (Cameo)
I am against leaf blowers. They go on too long and are too loud.
10/29/09 Phone Call: (CdMSE)
Ban is ok; need to stop noise.
10/29/09 Phone Call: (CdMSE)
Don't change anything. It's hard to water now, and if we limit the use of leaf blowers
everything will just get dirtier. It is also a hardship on the gardeners and on the homeowners.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 15 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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Carona del C�lar MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
11/01/09 Email: (CdMSE)
Thank you for bringing this issue to the CDM residents. Yard care once was a personal
responsibility but now it is an industry that spills its noise and pollution into residential areas of
town. CDM residents think that if their yards are perfect then their lives will seem perfect to
neighbors and passers by. This false notion is where the remedy to excessive yard noise must
start. CDM needs to launch an educational program to inform its citizens that a "shaggy' yard is
a greener yard. What is a shaggy yard? Well, I think a shaggy yard is a yard that gets
maintenance only twice per month instead of every week. Bingo! All yard maintenance issues
cut in half. 10,000' service trips into town per month reduced to 5, 000; 2,000 hours of 2 -cycle
gasoline engines running reduced to 1,000 hours; 2,000 hours of noise and fumes reduced to
1,000 hours. ( "writer's estimates) If voluntary compliance proves to be impossible, I believe the
same result can be achieved by a new ordinance prohibiting gasoline engines between the 1st
and the 15th of every month. In a like vein. I encourage the CDMRA to look very hard at the
ever - expanding popularity of at home car- washing services. Our zoning laws are being
circumvented when private companies bring these activities to our narrow streets and alleys with
their noisy vacuums and buffers. Bona fide entrepreneurs pay taxes and assume all risks by
establishing car washes in normal city locations zoned for this work. The neighborhood operators.
I think, are unfairly hurting them. What next? A company that offers to come to your house to put
new tires on your car?
11/03/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
Our family owns 3 properties in Corona del Mar, one in the 400 block of Heliotrope, one
in the 400 block of Goldenrod and one in the 200 block of Dahlia. We are in favor of banning leaf
blowers in the residential section of Corona del Mar. We are also in favor of banning leaf blowers
in commercial areas, as they not only cause noise and air pollution, but are harmful to the health
and well being of the commercial landscape employees who use them.
11104/09 Email: (CdMNE)
Ban the use of ALL gas powered leaf blowers.
11113/09 Email: (CdM Resident)
I say we have enough rules and restrictions already. Plus it is not fair unless it applies to
all users, including the city in the parks.
11/16/09 Email: (CdMSW)
I would like to see the leaf blowers banned.
11/16/09 Email: (HVH)
In my opinion, leaf blowers are an inefficient and unnecessary tool for cleaning up
around homes and streets. They should be restricted to parks and not used in residential areas.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 16 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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�Ql C`� MEMBER. COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
11/16/09 Email: (CdMNE)
No restrictions; and no, commercial standards do not need to be the same.
11/16/09 Email: (Jasmine Creek)
Our belief is that commercial gardeners must be able to use them at times they are
permitted to work in residential areas. And we believe that homeowners must be able to use
those efficient tools at all times that gardeners can use them.
11/16/09 Email: (CdMNE)
City should limit noise of blowers. (Should subsidize purchases of quieter mowers and
blowers.) City should limit hours they can be used to after 10: 00 a.m.
11/16/09 Email: (CdMSW)
Leaf blowers should be banned in Corona del Mar. This is especially applicable to
commercial vendors.
11/16/09 Email: (Spyglass Ridge)
Thank you for this opportunity. I have observed many gardeners using leaf blowers all
over the city. Many of them just blow debris into the street, as far as the neighbors' yards or
under parked vehicles and then drive away. I would support more stringent noise control and
time limits for both commercial and home -owner used leaf blowers. I have an electric leaf blower
but feel a broom does a much better job and only uses my energy. Professional gardeners would
strongly object to a complete restriction but it would be a quieter city with less pollution. This
includes Pacific View Cemetery.
11/16/09 Email: (Corona Highlands)
I would like to suggest that gardeners should use battery powered leaf vacuums instead
of gas powered blowers. Besides the gas fumes and noise, dirt and dust is blown from one
house to another.
11/16/09 Email: (Cameo)
I would support an outright ban like Laguna Beach for residential neighborhoods.
Commercial and city property use would be constrained based on proximity to residential
neighborhoods. Commercial would also need to phase in some alternative, lower noise lower
emission equipment regardless of where they are used.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 17 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
11/16/09 Email: (CdMSE)
Yes, we should ban leaf blowers in Corona del Mar. It's noise pollution and they are
disturbing our piece... Plus, my next door neighbor uses them and three times this year they have
blown out my pilot light on my water heater from next door, they are that powerful.
12/22/09 Email: (CdMNE)
We think they should be banned altogether, but then an alternative to cleaning up yards
should be proposed. Commercial use in the Village near homes should be banned.
12/22/09 Email: (CdMW)
I am a resident of Corona del Mar. I would also like to limit the noise from the leaf
blowers, and perhaps limit having leaf blowers only allowed on one assigned weekday, i.e.,
Thursdays when the trash trucks arrive.
02/08/10 Email: (CdMW)
The noise and smell from leaf blowers is extreme. There are neighbor's whose
gardeners even use them down the sides of our house, and the noise drowns out any
conversation, tv or music that may have been taking place inside the house. We can hear other
blowers from at least a full block away. For commercial gardening, is there an alternative?
02/08/10 Email: (Cameo Shores)
I would like to see an outright equipment ban on the "leaf blowers." In addition, I think
the Commercial gardeners should have the same guidelines as residential gardeners.
My suggestions are as a result of my own observations and experience over the years. We
employ Roger's Gardens Landscape, and they do not use blowers on our one acre property.
I have actually studied the Leaf Blowers in action. The end result is that dirt, pollens, and leaves
fly up into the air, and land "somewhere" nearby. When our Gardeners used Leaf Blowers (a
few years ago) the dirt and leaves landed on our clean windows, door mats, and cars. The
pollens which were stirred up caused great havoc with our allergies.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 18 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
CdM Residents Assn Landscape Equipment Paii 2006
Landscape Eauipment Noise - City Ordinance Modification - October 2006
Would you support a modification to our existing City Ordinance in an effort to reduce noise in and around
our neighborhoods from the use of various landscape equipment?
• 12 = Ban the use of gas equipment in CdM
• 9 = Establish more stringent standards
• 8 = Limit the days and hours of operation
0 3 = No change to existing ordinance
® 1 = No Opinion
10% of those polled by email responded to this question. Most were in favor of either eliminating the use of
this equipment and /or adopting more stringent restrictions in our City ordinance. (Current Ordinance allows
motorized construction /landscape equipment to be operated Monday- Friday from 7:00 a.m. -6:30 p.m.;
Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. No operation is allowed on Sundays or Holidays.
Again, a number of people questioned whether tighter restricts would work since we don't enforce the hours
of operation in our current ordinance. The City's response to that statement is to make sure that Cade
Enforcement is called so that a record of the violation can be logged and a citation issued. Without
residents making this call, there is no way for the City to enforce every ordinance every time. Code
Enforcement can be reached at 949.644.3215.
Those in favor of banning or restricting the use of equipment also cited environmental issues (air pollution as
well as noise pollution) as reasons to enforce or tightening the current ordinance.
One of the respondents included this quote in her response:
According to a March 2006 news release from the South Coast AQMD
"These machines are a significant source of smog- forming emissions," said Roy Wilson, Governing
Board Vice Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Riverside County
Supervisor. '9n one year, the average two - stroke backpack leaf blower emits as much pollution as
80 new cars."
http : / /www acmd goylnewsl/ 2006 /CoachellaVallevleafblowerevenf html
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 19
Prepared on: November 26, 2009
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C41rli1a del C>War
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
CdM ResldentsAssn Landscape Equipment Poll 2005
Leaf Blower Use & Noise - December 2005
Should all landscape power tools, lawn mowers, edgers, hedge clippers and leaf blowers be required to
have mufflers to lower noise to reasonable levels?
• Yes = 29
• No = 3
The majority of responses we received support an outright ban; some supported more noise restrictions on
their use in residential zones and some thought it was inappropriate to restrict the use of these trade tools.
Other comments included:
• Are city employees exempt from the law?
• Please be fair to the landscape maintenance workers.
• We respectfully disagree that leaf blowers should be banned.
• Get rid of them now!
• I say ban them now.
• No gardeners at all on weekends.
It is our hope that more of you will comment on the issue so that we can formulate what we believe to be a
community consensus to be presented to the City Council for consideration. While the ratio of those that
support a ban is significant, we do not feel the current number of respondents is enough to sway our city
leaders. For those of you that have yet to comment, please send us your thoughts. As you consider your
position, consider that several cities have completely banned Leaf Blowers in residential zones, such as
Laguna Beach, Malibu and Beverly Hills to name a few. Huntington Beach and Irvine have specific Leaf
Blower ordinances requiring Leaf Blowers to have mufflers to reduce the noise impact on neighbors.
Member Communications 0910 LB,Docx Page 20
Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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�Ql�P1 MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Mail Recap — Landscape Equipment (2006 Poll Responses)
Neutral on this one. But how about some noise ordinance on air conditioners? I recommend
updating the building code to not allow new construction to have exterior air conditioners. They
look terrible & are annoying to neighbors.
Great idea to limit strength of sound (don't know how you police that -like the police officer in
Laguna who issues tickets to Harley's using a noise meter?) but at least limiting the days and
hours of use would be nice, although perhaps make it difficult for the gardeners to schedule their
work. They work very hard and I have no idea if this would be a large hardship for them.
I would completely support a ban on leaf blowers and mowers in CdM. Trying to work at home,
the noise from landscaping is very disruptive. Not to mention, pollution from leafbowers and
lawnmowers, and gas fumes from landscapers driving into the neighborhood, reduces air quality.
If implemented, the City should help homeowners with examples of gardens and landscaping
which do not require mowing or pruning, which are H2O and California friendly, so people have
options.
NOISY EQUIPMENT - yes, I think there should be standards for the equipment which could
involve features such as mufflers. But how can you require this without going after the Saturday
motorcycle road warrior crowd - it seems like those with the loudest exhaust become kings of the
road.
I feel very strongly that COMRA should adopt an ordinance to eliminate the use of ALL non-
electric leaf blowers AT ALL TIMES in Corona del Mar. Corona del Mar's small lot size, density,
and limited landscaped yard space should all be adequate reasons to contend that the use of a
rake or broom (versus a leaf- blower) would not significantly impact the amount of time required to
remove residential leaves and debris.
Sadly, although the reduction in noise and pollution would improve our quality of life, I doubt that
many involved in Newport Beach's political decision - making process would be brave enough to
support such an assertive ordinance. So, as an alternative I propose:
1. The complete ban of all two- stroke engine leaf blowers, (the type of engines that burn oil and
gas simultaneously, producing excessive noise and pollution in comparison to other types of
engines are readily available.), and,
2. A weekend ban (Including the ENTIRE day Saturday), of all non - electric blowers, edgers /
"weed - whackers ", lawn mowers, hedge- trimmers, chainsaws, chippers, etc.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 21 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
PLEASE, at least allow us to enjoy our weekends in Corona del Mar without the obnoxious noise
and smell of a revving leaf blower, a grinding edger, or any other equipment with a comparably
disturbing decibel level!
According to a March 2006 news release from the South Coast AQMD:
hftp: / /www.agmd.gov /newsl/ 2006/ CoachellaValleyleafblowerevent .html "These machines are a
significant source of smog- forming emissions," said Roy Wilson, Governing Board Vice Chairman
of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Riverside County Supervisor. "In one
year, the average two- stroke backpack leaf blower emits as much pollution as 80 new cars."
In a 1999 Orange County Grand Jury report entitled "Leaf Blower Pollution Hazards in Orange
County ", the Orange County Grand Jury took action to make recommendations that would
"improve the quality of life in Orange County ," and recommended that cities, school districts,
community college districts, and the County stop using gasoline - powered leaf blowers in their
maintenance and clean -up operations. The major findings of this report show that:
* Toxic exhaust fumes and emissions are created by gas - powered leaf blowers, edgers, and
similar equipment
* The high - velocity air jets used in blowing leaves whip up dust and pollutants. The particulate
matter (PM) swept into the air by blowing leaves is composed of dust, fecal matter, pesticides,
fungi, chemicals, fertilizers, spores, and street dirt which consists of lead and organic and
elemental carbon.
* Blower engines generate high noise levels. Gasoline - powered leaf blower noise is a danger
to the health of the blower operator and an annoyance to the non - consenting citizens in the area
of usage. Landscape firms and gardeners will argue that the leaf blower is an essential, time-
saving tool that has enabled them to offer services at a much lower cost than if they had to use
rakes, brooms, and water to clean up the landscape. However, cities that have banned leaf
blowers altogether have not seen costs rise significantly.
The landscape noise is a problem. I don't think passing an ordinance is the answer. Some
gardeners use their blower for 5 to 10 minute clean -up and some go on for 45 minutes to an hour.
I would like to think the people living in the neighborhoods would take personal responsibility to
control their own gardener's. What about enforcement of the prior to 7:00 a.m. work ordinance. It
would be nice to take a quiet walk prior to 7:00 a.m. The construction crews are out on
construction sites by 6:15 sometimes working by 6:30 and alot of trucks running with music
playing. It makes no sense to make more rules when you can't enforce the ones you have.
I would like to see the machines for leaf blowers banned in this city. Not only is the noise
pollution very, very loud but the fumes from them actually make you very nauseous. Starting
work at 7:00 in the morning doesn't always mean 7:00. Many times the workers show up at 6:30
with their radios blaring and wait until 7:00 to start their drilling, hammering, etc. It is way too
early in the morning to be waking up to this noise. Is it possible to make it an hour later?
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 22 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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RESIDENTS AssOCIATION
CdM should definitely back any plan to abate noise from landscaping equipment... they are in
constant use all over cdm and really impact daily life in a very negative way
I'm surrounded by construction projects (like most in CdM) and have found that the noise really
begins at 6:30 a.m. when the workers arrive. Car doors slam, loud conversations, etc. I would like
to see a change to not allow arrival at a construction site prior to 7:00. 1 would also like to see the
elimination of garden blowers or very tough restrictions on the level of noise and also on the
removal of debris. Right now, too many yard workers simply blow the debris into the gutterlstorm
drains or someone else's yard rather than actually disposing of the waste.
am not in favor of changing the current city ordinance on Landscape Equipment noise.
Yes - Use of machinery and equipment should be limited to Monday thru Friday only - 8:00 a.m.
to 6:30 p.m. Non - compliant equipment should be banned. Especially gas powered leaf blowers.
Whatever happened to the broom and dust pan. These Gardeners are lazy.
Mufflers on the blowers required and days and hours of use.
I would support a complete ban on gas - powered blowers.
I am so pleased to know that others are requesting an ordinance to ban leaf blowers! I have
written to the city, and Assemblyman Van Tran has done so as well. Laguna Beach has an
ordinance prohibiting leaf blowers. My pet peeve for sure.
Support controls
ABSOLUTELY NEEDED, ESP AT AREAS THAT MIGHT BE ADJACENT TO CONSTRUCTION
SITES AS WELL!
I'm very interested in noise pollution from landscaping equipment.
Restrict hours /days of operation - We live across from Inspiration Point and the City workers
sometimes start their blowers at 5:30 AM.The noise from local gardeners doesn't bother us.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 23 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
I would support banning the use of leaf blowers in CDM. These noisy machines fill the air with
dust particles and who knows what else. They often simply blow debris from one area into
another. Many gardeners have gotten a bit lazy and are using them at full power to move large
patches of garden debris and to clean out flower beds which causes additional noise and air
pollution. I've asked my gardener not to use the blower in my yard.
Yes; standards, restricted hours, ban of certain equipment
Yes, restricted hours
Yes; standards, restricted hours, ban of certain equipment
Yes; ban certain types of equipment
Yes; ban certain types of equipment
Yes; ban certain types of equipment
Yes; ban certain types of equipment
Yes; standards, restricted hours, ban of certain equipment
Yes; ban certain types of equipment
Yes; standards, restricted hours, ban of certain equipment
Yes; restrict hours and enforce standards
Yes; cease using due to health impact; willing to appear before City Council to support this
change.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 24
Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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C41Oi1lF del Gear
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
No change
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
With our doors open allowing the wonderful ocean breezes to flow through we also get all the
noise pollution as well. (Cars, planes and leaf blowers.) Wouldn't it be nice to at least not have
the irritating sounds of the gardener's leaf blowers, etc. on the weekends. Is it possible? A lot of
areas prohibit gardeners on the weekends. Corona del Mar would benefit with a little bit of peace
by keeping the noise from the leaf blowers to Monday through Friday. Let's get some peace
around here
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 25
Prepared on: November 28, 2009
C7Pa" del oWar MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
RESIDENTS ASSOCIA ?ION LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Mail Recap — Landscape Equipment (2005 Poll Responses)
I strongly agree that leaf blowers should be abolished; Beverly Hills did it over 10 yrs ago.
Ban leaf blowers & SUVs. Thank you for Newsletter
Strongly support doing something about leaf blowers.
Leaf Blowers: NB should follow other cities' lead and adopt an ordinance to eliminate these
unpopular tools
City should not allow leaf blowers
Hi - just my two cents' worth on the leaf blower topic. I think they're obnoxious, and should be
banned, and replaced with rakes and brooms. I'm willing to pay a little more for quiet gardening
that doesn't produce noise and air pollution.
I hate to be a Scrooge during this wonderful Christmas season but just have to send thanks right
now. Your'Leaf Blowers' article hit a nerve. I've observed the mis -use of these implements for
years. Used properly they can be fairly quiet and convenient. However, most gardeners use
them as you suggest; to blow debris away - -into a neighbor's property or the street -- creating
noise and air pollution in the process. Some gardeners like to rev the engines like old boys rev
the engines on their muscle cars just to hear them. I remember Lavena Hayton testifying
alone before a Newport Beach City Council meeting years ago advocating the ban of leaf
blowers. Of course, the gardeners present disagreed but she made good observations. I wish
somebody in my family would develop a muffler, if nothing else, to make these machines less
intolerable. In the meantime, a good broom and picker -upper is the preferred method by this
gardener.
received your recent newsletter and would like to respond to the issue of leaf- blowers in Corona
del Mar. Both my husband and I are very interested in an ordinance in prohibiting leaf blowers,
as in effect in Laguna Beach. We live in the village and resent the noise associated with them.
We also object to our neighbors' leaves being blown onto our property. We prohibit our
gardeners from using blowers out of respect for our two next door neighbors. We appreciate your
interest in gathering interest for this.
Are city employees exempt from the law? The leaf / sand blowers and lawn mowers start around
6:00 AM at Inspiration Point and sometimes as early as 5:30.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 26 Prepared on: November 28, 2008
ed -ell,
Carona del c&- ar
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
I think Leaf Blowing noise should be limited or banned and I think drivers should slow down on
Corona Del Mar streets. My wife and I have a dog and child on the way and are fearful about
cars tearing down Marigold Ave where we live.
Though I regret the noise of 1/2 horsepower, their use should be allowed but restricted to shorter
hours than by the City Municipal Code. I'd favor permitting them only during weekdays and
Saturday from 8 to 5.
I am a resident of Harbor View Hills South, and I want to voice my support for a leaf blower ban
or, at least, noise restrictions on gardening power tools. I would prefer a leaf blower ban,
however, not only because of the excessive noise, but also because of the spreading of dust and
debris to other locations. Please let me know if I can help accomplish this in any way.
For our part, we don't like the noise very much either, but understand that the landscape
maintenance people are trying to provide maximum service at the best possible price. It is grossly
inefficient to hand rake all debris and would cause our service providers to have to raise prices or
lose money. Please try to be fair to the situation.) say get rid of them. My neighbor's gardener
blows debris into the air and debris into my home.
We read your December newsletter editorial on leaf blowers and would respectfully disagree with
your suggestion that we need to specifically ban them. Frankly, we don't think there is any
possibility of changing your mind so we won't spend time trying. As you point out, there is
already an ordinance covering the noise aspect of your problem. Beyond that, a face to face
discussion with your neighbor is (or was) the usual approach to solving such issues. Another
ordinance is not the way. Having lived in this town for 73 years, we find it sad that people get so
worked up about a truly trivial matter. Thus you have two votes to drop the issue where it lies.
Please note that I am in favor of a complete ban on leaf blowers.
Please consider this email a vote againt leaf blowers. I would and do vote to outlaw them in CdM
We are strongly in favor of an ordinance prohibiting leaf blowers.
We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth and the incessant noise pollution from
blowers significantly
affects our lovely environment in a very negative way.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 27 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Thanks for your news letter. It is much appreciated. I just read your article on leaf blowers. I'd like
to see NO GARDENERS at all on the weekends! It's irritating to be entertaining outside on
Saturday or Sunday and all of a sudden the loud invasive noises of the gardener's power tools fill
the air. We have enough of this stuff during the week. How can we get rid of them on the
weekends?
I read your article re; regulating leaf blowers and I am ALL FOR IT. Let me know if you need me
to write letters or anything. The noise, blowing of debris from one yard to next is crazy and I want
it stopped.
In reading your newsletter regarding Leaf Blowers, I could not agree with you more. I have
personally banned the use of blowers on my property by my gardeners. Occasionally our
gardeners get a new employee that starts up the blower and I instantly run out and tell him to shut
it off. We actually leave our own push broom out each week for our gardeners to sweep up after
themselves.(It is a shame that gardeners do not seem to own brooms these days!)
Leaf Blowers blow dust and dirt all over your windows and sills creating a huge mess! The noise
is intolerable. My wife and I both believe strongly that they should be banned from the city.
Leaf Blowers should be eliminated due to the noise and pollution they generate. The best way for
a resident to do this is to use landscaping which does not require cutting or mowing. Then the
need for a leaf blower is eliminated.
Leaf blowers are nuisance noise and should have severe restrictions placed upon their use and
noise level or be banned altogether (my preference). It's beyond me why a 10'x10' plot of land
(which is what most yards seem to be here in CdM) needs to be cleaned up something besides a
rake or broom and dustpan.
This subject is my pet hate and they have gotten noisier and sound like chain saws. Only low
power should be allowed.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 28 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
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C4I4/1Cf del C ar MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
I believe that leaf blowers are a definite issue that should be addressed by our association.
When you live on a standard 30' beach lot, there isn't much room for error when it comes to
showing consideration toward your neighbor. For twenty some years my wife and I have put up
with our neighbor's gardener blowing grass clippings and leaves from their yard and patio onto
our patio and it's furniture. While I have asked the gardener both politely and not so politely to
please refrain from doing so it continues to this day. Just this past week we witnessed a
gardener blowing an enormous quantity of leaves off the Big Canyon property and onto
Jamboree. With the heavy traffic there you can only imagine the mess it created. It shouldn't take
the highest degree of intellectual capacity to understand that moving debris from one location to
another isn't a very effective way of containing and disposing of it. Lets get rid of these noisy,
messy machines and go back to the broom and dust pan method of clean up and give our
neighbors and beautiful city the respect they deserve.
Regarding your article in the residents news letter about Leafblowers ... Get rid of them as of now,
they are the most noisy and dirt spreading machines I have ever known, not only do they use
them for sidewalks and yards, roofers use them to clean off the roof dust after cutting tile, being
so high the dust is blown over a wide area, and like your article said, why so loud I will never
know ... Also the 2 cycle engines produce so much pollution, I can't believe they are legal. So, I
repeat, ban all leaf blowers..
I think it would be in the interest of all we change the hours and days of building construction.
When the typical house was built in our city the time of building was approximately 60 days or
less ... Now it is from one year or more, loud radios, construction noise , streets blocked, pollution
from trucks idling in the streets, God knows what .. So, I say, and many people that I have talked
to say,
# 1 No work on Saturday and Sunday
# 2 New hours 8 AM to 5:30 PM
# 3 No Radios
# 4 No blocking streets, and sidewalks
These are just a few things, but something has to be done, it is upsetting every neighborhood,
anybody who has been within a house or two of a new condo ha felt the abuse of the contractor ,
they just don't care.
I strongly agree that leaf blowers should be abolished; Beverly Hills did it over 10 yrs ago.
Ban leaf blowers & SUVs. Thank you for Newsletter
Strongly support doing something about leaf blowers.
Leaf Blowers: NB should follow other cities' lead and adopt an ordinance to eliminate these
unpopular tools
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 29 Prepared on: November 28, 2009
6 f
a eil V
Carers del CCfar
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS RECAP
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
City should not allow leaf blowers
Hi - just my two cents' worth on the leaf blower topic. I think they're obnoxious, and should be
banned, and replaced with rakes and brooms. I'm willing to pay a little more for quiet gardening
that doesn't produce noise and air pollution.
Member Communications 0910 LB.Docx Page 30
Prepared on: November 28, 2009
CITY -WIDE LEAF BLOWER
SURVEY RESULTS
Three surveys were conducted:
• Landscape companies
• Home owners associations
• Residents and business owners
LANDSCAPE COMPANY SURVEY
°
° 16%
IILO6.
■ YES
F-10161
■ UNKNOWN
Do you support a ban on gasoline powered leaf blowers ?
(25 Responses)
17%
LANDSCAPE COMPANY SURVEY
9%
YES
NO
UNKNOWN
Would a ban impact your business operations?
(23 Responses)
22%
LANDSCAPE COMPANY SURVEY
13%
YES
[kilo]
UNKNOWN
55%
Would a ban increase your cost of doing business?
(23 Responses)
22%
LANDSCAPE COMPANY SURVEY
17%
61%
YES
[kilo]
UNKNOWN
Would your company use electric leaf blowers?
(23 Responses)
HOME OWNER ASSOCIATION SURVEY
9%
24%
YES
NO
UNKNOWN
57%
Would your association support a ban on gasoline powered leaf blowers?
(33 Responses)
50%
HOME OWNER ASSOCIATION SURVEY
13%
7%
• YES
• NO
• UNKNOWN
Would a ban increase your associations landscape maintenance costs?
(30 Responses)
HOME OWNER ASSOCIATION SURVEY
11%
63%
26%
YES
[kilo]
UNKNOWN
Would your association support the use of electric leaf blowers?
(27 Responses)
27%
RESIDENT AND BUSINESS SURVEY
2%
YES
NO
UNKNOWN
Would you support a ban on leaf blowers?
(272 Responses)
RESIDENT AND BUSINESS SURVEY
20%
51%
29%
YES
[kilo]
UNKNOWN
Would banning gasoline powered leaf blowers increase your maintenance costs?
(270 Responses)
39%
RESIDENT AND BUSINESS SURVEY
17%
44%
YES
NO
UNKNOWN
Would you support the use of electric leaf blowers?
(268 Responses)
36%
RESIDENT AND BUSINESS SURVEY
7%
YES
[kilo]
57% UNKNOWN
Would you support limiting the hours that gasoline powered leaf blowers could be used?
(267 Responses)
Cost Estimate
• Only 6 out of 26 landscape companies
answered the question.
— Estimates ranged from 20 TO 100% cost increase.
— Valley Crest Landscaping estimated 25%
Alternatives:
1. Staff should return with a proposal to ban the use of gasoline powered leaf
blowers within specific geographical areas of the City (such as Corona Del Mar).
The proposal should include:
— A process for additional geographical areas to opt -in.
— A plan for enforcement.
2. Staff should return with a proposal to ban gasoline powered leaf blowers
citywide in residential areas. The proposal should include:
— A phase -in period
— A plan for enforcement.
3. Staff should return with a proposal to ban gasoline powered leaf blowers
citywide in residential areas during certain hours. The proposal should include:
— A phase -in period
— A plan for enforcement.
4. Place the matter before the voters at the next regularly scheduled election.
5. Continue with current ordinance (Muni Code Sec 10.28.045).