Recommendations on Leaf Blower Use in Portland The

Recommendations on Leaf Blower Use in Portland The Noise Review Board’s final recommendations for City Council

Council Direction to Noise Review Board ØDevelop a specific decibel level ØPhase in the decibel requirement over a three year period ØReview and possibly adjust the permitted sound level every three years

Council Direction to Noise Review Board Ø Work with industry on an educational program to limit noise from operators inappropriately using blowers Ø Research the possibility of a limit on the duration and frequency of the use of leaf blowers.

Public Outreach Ø Process began with the Noise Control Task Force in September 2000 Ø 3 meetings throughout the City Ø Numerous NCTF meetings

Public Outreach Ø Noise Review Board discussed the issue at 6 meetings from mid 2001 to late 2002 Ø Board held public hearing on leaf blowers Ø Board received 45 letters on the subject Ø Mailing list of 400 interested parties

Public Outreach Ø Worked closely with a local manufacturer and a large regional sweeping company Ø In house sound testing with Maintenance and Parks Bureau Ø Feedback from both Bureaus

Recommendations on Leaf Blower Use in Portland

Current Title 18 Requirements DAYTIME 7 am to 10 pm Ø No d. B limit Ø Any muffled leaf blower permitted NIGHTTIME 10 pm to 7 am Ø Leaf blowers are not permitted to operate on residential property

Current Title 18 Requirements DAYTIME 7 am to 10 pm Ø No d. B limit Ø Any muffled leaf blower permitted NIGHTTIME 10 pm to 7 am Ø Meet decibel levels in Title 18 (based on zoning) Ø Example: Commercial to Residential= 55 d. BA at the property line

Requirement After August 1, 2005 DAYTIME 7 am to 7 pm Ø Must use a leaf blower on the City list Ø List establishes leaf blowers certified to meet a 65 d. BA ANSI standard

Requirement After August 1, 2005 NIGHTTIME 7 pm to 7 am Ø In addition to the daytime standards… Ø Leaf blowers are not permitted to operate on residential property Ø Meet decibel levels in Title 18 (based on zoning)

CURRENT NIGHT USE WITH A 75 d. BA Leaf Blower

AFTER AUGUST 1, 2005 / Use with a 65 d. BA ANSI Leaf Blower