Brookline

Full Year-Round Ban Year-round gas ban

Ban status

Among the most restrictive bylaws in the country. Effective March 15, 2024: no gas-powered leaf blowers on properties with less than one acre of open space. Electric blowers year-round within hours (M–F 8am–8pm; Sat/Sun/holidays 9am–6pm) and ≤67 dBA at 50 feet. Annual commercial permit required. Lots ≤7,500 sq ft limited to 2 blowers simultaneously.

Enacted: 2011-11-16 In effect since: 2024-03-15

Significant exemptions:

Large lots — Properties with one acre or more of open space

Bylaw Article 8.31 — Leaf Blower Control. Original bylaw 2016; amended 2022 as Article 27 (petitioners Don Warner, Virginia Smith, Clint). Penalties up to $150 per violation with co-responsibility applying to both property owner and landscape company. DPW tracks complaints; Police enforce. Brooklineleaves.org is the longest-sustained local advocacy group in MA.

Last updated: Jun 3, 2026

Timeline

2024-03-15 Effective date reached — Ban on gas blowers on lots <1 acre of open space took effect
2022 Amended — Town Meeting adopted Article 27 amendment
2016 Adopted — Original leaf blower bylaw adopted

Research & citations

Brookline, MA — Official Municipal Website
City of Brookline — Municipal Code (leaf blower / noise) — City of Brookline
Codified leaf blower / noise ordinance for City of Brookline, Massachusetts. Source: codified ordinance.
Leaf Blowers & Commercial Landscapers — Town of Brookline
Brookline Article 8.31 (full text PDF)
Article 27 (2022) petition document
Brooklineleaves.org

Massachusetts context

Guidance 310 CMR 7.10 noise regulation; three failed incentive bills

See in the tracker

This region also appears in the broader multi-jurisdiction tracker alongside its peers.