Alexandria is looking into ways to regulate or ban gas-powered leaf blowers due to noise and air pollution concerns.
The city plans to hold two community meetings in March to gather input from residents and business owners.
“At each event, City staff will give a presentation to provide an overview of the proposed regulation, its anticipated impact, and proposed timeline for implementation, and answer questions about what residents can expect,” the City of Alexandria shares in a press release.
The first meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, at Patrick Henry Recreation Center.
“The first community meeting will focus on the potential regulation changes of gas-powered leaf blowers and the implementation process for the general community”, according to the city.
Members of the public must register at https://zoom.us/j/93215505100 (passcode: 087953) to attend the first meeting virtually.
The second meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at City Hall.
“The second meeting will provide information on the potential regulation changes for gas-powered leaf blowers, with further discussion on the impacts on landscape companies and large property owners,” according to the city.
To attend the second meeting virtually, members of the public must register at https://zoom.us/j/95937594296 (passcode: 143522).
The city aims to have a final proposal ready for the City Council to review and approve by late spring 2025.
The use of leaf blowers, power lawn and garden equipment, lawn mowers, and edgers is currently permitted from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
