Bill 241131

..Title Amending Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Noise and Excessive Vibration," by prohibiting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers, under certain terms and conditions. ..Body WHEREAS, the City of Philadelphia finds the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers impairs the health, social welfare, and quality of life of persons residing and working in Philadelphia, and also adversely impacts the environment; and WHEREAS, gas-powered leaf blowers can produce high levels of noise, and prolonged exposure can contribute to permanent hearing loss as well as stress-related diseases; and WHEREAS, gas-powered leaf blowers emit harmful chemicals including carcinogens, other cancer-causing compounds, smog-forming agents, and greenhouse gasses, and are known to damage soil health and wildlife ecosystems; and WHEREAS, the City finds that the health harms generated by gasoline-powered leaf blowers are hazardous to those in close proximity such as those operating the equipment, and that this disproportionately affects landscape workers who use these devices for prolonged periods; and WHEREAS, the City is committed to ensuring safe working conditions and a healthy, livable community for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes that there is alternative landscaping equipment to gasoline-powered leaf blowers, ranging from electric leaf blowers to manual tools; and WHEREAS, the City finds that the passage of this ordinance will support Philadelphia's commitment to protecting the health of the community, including its landscape workers, and advance the City's climate goals and commitment to transitioning to clean energy; and WHEREAS, the City is proud to join a growing number of cities nationwide in prohibiting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers due to their harmful health and environmental effects; now, therefore THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS: Section 1. Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code is amended as follows: TITLE 10. REGULATION OF INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT AND ACTIVITY * * * CHAPTER 10-400. NOISE AND EXCESSIVE VIBRATION * * * � 10-403. Prohibited Conduct. * * * (15) Notwithstanding subsection (3) ("Sound from Residential Properties") and subsection (4) ("Sound from Non-Residential Properties"), operation of a gasoline-powered leaf blower shall be prohibited after December 1, 2025. Any person who operates a gasoline-powered leaf blower or owns property where a gasoline-powered leaf blower is operated shall be liable for civil penalties as set forth in subsection 10-406(6) * * * � 10-406. Penalties. * * * (6) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Section to the contrary, any person who violates subsection 10-103(15) may be subject to a warning for an initial violation and a civil penalty of $500 for subsequent violations. ..End