Sec. 31B-9. Leaf removal equipment.
Montgomery County, Md., Code § 31B-9 (2026)
Sec. 31B-9. Leaf removal equipment.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in this section, a person must not sell, buy, offer for sale, or use a leaf blower at any time that has an average sound level exceeding 70 dBA at a distance of 50 feet. This requirement is in addition to any other noise level or noise disturbance standard that applies under this Chapter.
(b)
An individual who owns or occupies a residence in a residential noise area may use at the individual's residence a leaf blower bought or manufactured before July 1, 1990, until July 1, 1998, even if it exceeds the standard in subsection (a). After July 1, 1998, a person must not use any leaf blower that violates the standard in subsection (a).
(c)
The Department must apply the standard in subsection (a) in accordance with the most current leaf blower testing standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
(d)
The Department may inspect, and at its request a person must produce, any leaf blower that is sold, offered for sale, or used in the County, to determine whether the leaf blower complies with this section. A person who relies in good faith on a manufacturer's written representation of the sound level of a leaf blower that has not been modified is not subject to a penalty for violating this section.
(e)
Sale of combustion leaf removal equipment – prohibited. A person must not sell or offer for sale a combustion engine-powered handheld, backpack, or walk-behind leaf blower or leaf vacuum.
(f)
Use of combustion leaf removal equipment – prohibited. A person must not use a combustion engine-powered handheld, backpack, or walk-behind leaf blower or leaf vacuum.
(g)
Reimbursement. Subject to an appropriation by the County Council, the Director must establish a time-limited program based on criteria set by regulation to partially reimburse County residents and businesses that purchase electric leaf blowers or leaf vacuums.
(h)
Application for reimbursement. To receive reimbursement under subsection (g), an applicant must apply to the Director in a form prescribed by the Director.
(i)
Regulations. Not later than March 30, 2024, the County Executive must transmit to the Council Method (1) regulations to establish the reimbursement program under subsection (g).
(j)
Complaint and enforcement procedures. An enforcement officer may issue a civil citation under this Section if:
(1)
the Director receives a complaint from at least one witness of a noise disturbance in violation of subsection (f); and
(2)
the complaint was received by the Director within 7 days of the alleged violation.
(k)
Annual reporting. By February 1 of each year, the Director must submit to the Council an annual report for the preceding year on the successes or challenges of the reimbursement program, outreach activities, statistical data related to enforcement, new technology trends for electrification of lawn care equipment, and any recommended changes to the law or operating budget. The Council may request the Director to provide additional information, as needed.