City of Walnut Creek
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Overview
The City of Walnut Creek is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the health and well-being of Walnut Creek community members. The City’s Sustainability Action Plan, adopted by Council in 2023, expresses the City’s commitment to reduce emissions through the adoption of a ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
At the public City Council meetings in November of 2025, City Council adopted a ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers with an implementation date of April 1, 2026.
To view the full recorded public meetings, visit the City’s Public Meeting Agendas and Videos webpage. The topic was discussed in detail at the November 4, 2025 meeting.
The Policy
The City’s Municipal Code will be updated to add Chapter 9 (Gasoline Powered Leaf Blowers) to Title 5 (Sanitation and Health). The policy will prohibit any person, business or entity who owns, manages or rents property in the City to: (1) use or operate any gasoline powered leaf blower in the City or (2) to hire, allow, employ or retain the service of a person or business to use gasoline powered leaf blowers on the property. Limited exceptions are allowed for emergency cases as approved by the City or other first responders.
Harms of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Gas-powered leaf blowers produce high levels of pollution into our community. These toxic emissions include carbon monoxide, benzene, particulates, and carcinogens that can cause health problems for people nearby, including the person using the blower.
In Contra Costa County, more people, especially children, have asthma compared to the state average. Reducing air pollution from tools like gas-powered leaf blowers can help protect our community’s health.
Gas-powered leaf blowers produce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to our warming climate. By banning the use of the equipment in our community, we will reduce our contributions to climate change.
Resources
What homeowners can do
Property owners will be responsible for compliance when the ban goes into effect, even if a landscaper performs the work. Here are a few tips:
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Use a rake or broom – The most eco-friendly way to clear leaves and debris is by hand.
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Switch to electric – If you prefer a blower, choose an electric battery-powered or plug-in model instead of gas. The California Air Resources Board has compiled Reviews and Testimonials on some options for electric lawn and garden equipment.
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Talk to your landscaper – Ask your landscaping service to use electric equipment and what you can do to help make the switch feasible.
Vouchers and incentives for professionals
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Landscapers who are headquartered in Richmond, San Pablo, East Oakland, West Oakland, or Bayview Hunters Point are currently eligible for a Bay Area Air District voucher for up to $1,400 per replaced leaf blower. Learn more on the Bay Area Air District Website.
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Professional landscapers may qualify for CORE vouchers for zero-emission equipment. While current funding is limited, future rounds may reopen. Learn more at CARB’s CORE Program.
- CARB also maintains a list of additional financial incentives offered through regional air quality districts.
How to retire your old equipment
As long as there is no gas in the gas leaf blowers, you can retire your old gas-powered leaf blower at the following locations for free:
Statewide Action
Leaf blowers are considered a small off-road engine (SORE) and are regulated by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). The State of California passed AB 1346 to ban the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and other SOREs. Starting January 1, 2024, it’s illegal to sell new gas-powered leaf blowers in California, except for leftover stock from 2023. This state law helps reduce air pollution from small engines.
Local Action
The City is currently working on community outreach and education to bring awareness about the ban. Check back on this page for additional resources coming soon.
Get Involved
- Share this page and downloadable resources with your landscaper or neighbors:
- Share feedback by emailing sustainability@walnutcreekca.gov
- Sign up below for email updates on leaf blower rebates, events, policy, and other gas-powered leaf blower ban-related items