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.
