Leaf Blower Ordinance FAQs
- Select "Property Complaints"
- Select "Submit a New Complaint"
- Select "Property Conditions / Standards" - Choose Commercial or Residential according to the building type
- Enter the requested information
Why is use of gas-powered leaf blowers being prohibited?
Sustainable landscaping and lawn maintenance practices are an important step that the community can take to reach its Climate Ready Oak Park goals of protecting biodiversity and community health. Among those commitments is the need to decrease community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, and to achieve net zero by 2050. More information is available at www.oak-park.us/climateready.
What health impacts do gas-powered leaf blowers have on the community?
The Environmental Protection Agency has shown that leaf blowers and other gas-powered lawn equipment expose workers and the public to high levels of toxic and carcinogenic emissions such as, benzene, butadiene, formaldehyde, and fine particulates. Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to the dust and toxic emissions created by gas-powered blowers. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Center of Disease Control (CDC) both reported on the dangerous health risks associated with exposure to these types of emissions. Some of the risks include cancer, lung disease, respiratory illnesses, and dementia.
When does the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers go into effect?
No gas-powered leaf blower shall be permitted to be operated in the Village of Oak Park on or after June 1, 2025. The use of portable gas-powered generators to power electric leaf blowers, or to recharge batteries utilized by leaf blowers, will also be prohibited.
To whom does the ban of gas-powered leaf blowers apply?
The ordinance is applicable to all Oak Park residents, building owners, lawn maintenance and landscaping contractors.
What are the requirements for a lawn maintenance/landscaping business?
Lawn maintenance and landscaping contractors who perform work in Oak Park are required to register with the Village. Contractors shall not be subject to the annual registration fee of $50 until 2025 and annually thereafter. Should a contractor operate a business within the Village boundaries, including a home-based business, then a business license shall also be required.
Are there exemptions to this ordinance?
The use gas-powered leaf blowers is permitted at the direction of Police or Fire personnel for the purpose of responding to an emergency in order to restore, protect, preserve or save lives or property from imminent danger of loss or harm; or to clear fallen debris in order to provide emergency clearance for public safety.
Are there current lawn maintenance equipment restrictions in place?
Prior to June 1, 2025, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited between June 1 - September 30, 2023; and June 1-September 30, 2024. Gas-powered or electric equipment may only be operated Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Per the Village’s noise ordinance, the use of any leaf blower in excess of more than 65 decibels (dB) as rated by a manufacturer’s specifications.
How do I submit a complaint about leaf blower noise or other issues?
The Village’s Neighborhood Services staff oversee enforcement of the leaf blower ordinance. Neighborhood Services can be reached at 708.358.5410 or housing@oak-park.us .
Complaints about leaf blower noise can be submitted through the Village's web portal for property-related complaints: https://villageview.oak-park.us/CityViewPortal.
To submit a complaint: