Newton

Partial or Part-Year Ban Part-year gas ban

Ban status

Seasonal ban with decibel limit. All gas-powered leaf blowers prohibited Memorial Day through Labor Day; during that window only one electric/battery blower per lot allowed. Year-round: all blowers ≤65 dB. Hours M–F 7am–5pm, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun prohibited except residents on own property 9am–5pm.

Enacted: 2017-01-17 In effect since: 2017-05-29

Significant exemptions:

Homeowner personal use — Residents on their own property may operate Sundays 9am–5pm Simultaneity cap — One electric/battery blower per lot permitted during the Memorial Day–Labor Day window

Newton City Council ordinance §20-13, passed 2017. Fines: written warning, $100, $200, $300 max per day (each day separate). Enforcement via Inspectional Services Department seasonal inspector and Newton Police. Advocacy led by NewtonCALM (Karen Bray) and Green Newton.

Last updated: Jun 3, 2026

Timeline

2017 Adopted — City Council adopted §20-13 leaf blower ordinance

Research & citations

City of Newton, MA — leaf-blower ordinance source — City of Newton, MA, 2017-01-17
Leaf-blower ordinance as approved by City Council Jan 17 2017 (20-4); seasonal Memorial Day-Labor Day prohibition.
City of Newton — Municipal Code (leaf blower / noise) — City of Newton
Codified leaf blower / noise ordinance for City of Newton, Massachusetts. Source: codified ordinance.
Leaf Blower Information — City of Newton
Newton, MA — Official Municipal Website
Newton Ordinances §20-13 (PDF)
Newton Leaf Blower Ordinance in Effect — Green Newton

Massachusetts context

Guidance 310 CMR 7.10 noise regulation; three failed incentive bills

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