NOISE ORDINACE REFERENCES - January 1994

Gas Powered Leaf Blowers (Updated January, 2001)

Leaf blowers rated for 65 dBA or less may be used only during the following hours:
Monday - Friday9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sundays/Holidaysprohibited!
Commercial gardeners must be certified by the Police Department before operating any type of leaf blower in Palo Alto.

Residential Construction

Construction allowed during the following hours:
Monday - Friday8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday9 a.m. to 6 p.m
Sundays/Holidays10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Includes preparation for construction. Maximum allowable noise for construction equipment is 110 dBA measured at 25' or from property line, whichever is closer.

Commercial Construction

Construction allowed during the following hours in all non-residential zoned property:
Monday - Friday8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday9 a.m. to 8 p.m
Sundays/Holidays10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Includes preparation for construction. Maximum allowable noise for construction equipment is 110 dBA measured at 25' or from property line, whichever is closer.

Residential Power Equipment

Equipment cannot exceed 95 dBA (measured at 25') and use is allowed during the following hours:
Monday - Friday8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday9 a.m. to 6 p.m
Sundays/Holidays10 a.m. to 6 p.m

General Daytime Noise Exception

Maximum noise level for any other noise sources is 70 dBA (measured at 25') and allowed during the following hours:
Monday - Friday8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday9 a.m. to 8 p.m
Sundays/Holidays10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Other Noise Limits

Residential noise limits
6 dB is the maximum noise level allowed above the local ambient (measured at property plane).
Commercial/Industrial noise limits
8 dB is the maximum noise level allowed above the local ambient (measured at property plane).
Public Property noise limits
15 dB is the maximum noise level allowed above the local ambient (measured at property plane).
Violations of the leaf blower and residential power equipment sections are infractions, all other violations are misdemeanors (Chapter 9.10 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code).

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