Ann Arbor fields 40 complaints on gas leaf blowers

The city of Ann Arbor has fielded about 40 complaints to its hotline reporting gas-powered leaf blowers since 2024, according to records obtained by Michigan Capitol Confidential.

The city banned gas-powered leaf blowers in the summer of 2024 from from Jun. 1 to Sept. 30. It allowed them from Oct. 1 to May 30 through 2027.

The city received 12 complaints in 2024, 16 in 2025, and 12 in 2026.

Starting Jan. 1, 2028, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited at all times in the Tree City.

The stated purpose of the ordinance is “to protect the peace, health, safety, and welfare of persons in the City of Ann Arbor and to promote the city's sustainability goals by reducing noise, pollution, and other negative effects from leaf blowers.”

However, residents can use any leaf blower at any time in an emergency to protect health, safety, or property; to restore property immediately after an emergency, such as to clear a walkway, driveway, or street from debris following a storm or other natural disaster.

Violators are threatened with a civil fine of at least $100 for a first offense and at least $250 for a subsequent offense per individual in violation of the ordinance​. Fines may be issued to an individual who violates the ordinance or an employer that permits or directs an individual to violate the ordinance.

The city has received many more than 40 informal complaints about gas-powered leaf blowers, Missy Stults, Ann Arbor’s Sustainability and Innovations Director told CapCon in an email. 

“We normally ask the individual to either call our community standards (where the 40 number comes from) or to reach out to the individual/landscaper directly. We know that these communications are leading to tangible improvements and a transition to electric! You can see it.”

To that end, yes, the ban is working. You may know that we also have incentives to help people electrify their yard equipment. This is helping people make the transition...In terms of the goal of the ordinance, it's to improve local air quality while also advancing our climate and sustainability goals, and reducing localized noise pollution.”

14033 Requestors Copy Emailed 07-20-26 SJV by mcclallen