Council to Hear From Leaf Blower Backers

Landscapers and residents opposing a proposal to ban leaf blowers say they will be out in force for tonight’s City Council meeting.

Officials are debating whether to prohibit the machines. If the ordinance passes, Laguna Niguel would follow the lead of Laguna Beach and become the second city in Orange County to ban the blowers outright.

Gardeners, landscapers and a number of homeowners say they are against a prohibition because it would greatly increase maintenance costs.

The issue was brought to the council’s attention by residents who said they were disturbed by noise from the blowers.

Also affected by an anti-leaf-blower ordinance would be the city. The cost of replacing leaf blowers with human labor would run about $200,000 annually, Public Works Director Ken Montgomery said.

In addition to Laguna Beach’s outright ban, 10 other Orange County cities have taken steps to regulate leaf blowers. Restrictions have included setting limits on noise, hours of operation and use near doors and windows.

Laguna Niguel officials say the problem may be more acute in their area than elsewhere.

“We suspect, because there is so much grassy open space here that requires mowing, leaf blowers are probably quite common,” City Attorney Terry Dixon said.

Dixon prepared a lengthy report on the legal issues involved but did not offer a recommendation to the council.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 27841 La Paz Road. Information: (714) 362-4300.