San Mateo launches electric leaf blower rebate program

San Mateo launches electric leaf blower rebate program to reduce noise, pollution

in Community

The City of San Mateo has launched an Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program as part of a long-running effort to address community concerns over noise and air pollution.

Residents can receive a rebate up to 50 percent of the purchase price of an electric leaf blower, for a maximum $100 rebate. Commercial landscapers and gardeners can meanwhile receive a rebate of up to 75 percent of the purchase price of an electric leaf blower, for a maximum $500 rebate.

Noise and air pollution caused by gas-powered leaf blowers have been long been discussed in San Mateo. Proposals to ban them have been brought up on a number of occasions. The City’s current rules prohibits leaf blower use on Sundays and holidays, according to city code. Their use is also only allowed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

“In addition, any person who operates a leaf blower in a residential zoning district or in areas bordering a residential zoning district shall use a blower nozzle extension and shall run the blower at a low speed to minimize the noise,” according to the city.

For more information, visit the city’s website here.