It took a four hour Rye City Council meeting to get there, but as expected the Council passed a year-round gas leaf blower ban on Wednesday evening, February 12, 2026. The proposed law would ban gas leaf blowers entirely, effective May 1, 2026 and only permit battery operated blowers. Currently, gas powered leaf blowers are allowed during seasonal clean-up periods in the spring (March 1 – April 30) and fall (October 1 – December 15).
Penalties for using gas powered leaf blowers will be increased to up to as much as $10,000 for a third infraction, and repeat offenders could be issued a court appearance ticket and could be “subject to subsequent court orders including civil forfeiture of property”. The law does allow for the unlimited use of other yard maintenance machines that are gas powered such as lawnmowers and weedwhackers.
The noise and pollution from gas powered leaf blowers have become a flashpoint in many communities due to noise, quality of life and environmental concerns. Nearby, Larchmont, White Plains, and the Village of Mamaroneck have all banned the use of gas powered leaf blowers.
A large contingent of landscapers spoke at length during the public hearing saying battery powered blowers are not ready for prime time and that landscaping costs to Rye homeowners will skyrocket. On the other side, most (not all) Rye residents that spoke were in favor of the gas blower ban.
“I think it’s time to rip off the band aid and do the right thing and serve the people who elected us and give them the quality of life they deserve,” Mayor Nathan said just prior to the vote.
Councilman Keith Cunningham, who spent part of the meeting rallying against the new law but realizing he was a voting block of one, in the end voted with the majority. The new law passed with six votes yes and new Councilmember Baldwin abstaining.
Read the new gas leaf blower ban law
Read the City’s overview on the new gas leaf blower ban law
Idiots! I hope all the landscapers rebel and stop serving Rye. God forbid you people actually have to pick up a rake and clear your own lawns! Battery powered leaf blowers are more of an environmental hazard than gas blowers! It’s truly unbelievable how stupid “highly intelligent” people can be on certain issues!!!