The City of Alexandria became the first jurisdiction in Virginia to approve a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers at City Council’s May 17 public hearing in a unanimous vote to go into effect starting July 1.
Council decided to phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers after one year for the city and after 18 months for residents and businesses. Council previously discussed the issue at their May 13 legislative meeting, where they reduced the ban’s phase-in period to 18 months from two years.
The ordinance will go into effect July 1, according to a May 13 city staff presentation. It’s estimated the ban will cost $75,000 – which was included in the fiscal year 2026 budget – across city departments including Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities; Transportation and Environmental Services; and General Services, according to the noise ordinance cover…