By Sentinel Staff
The Town Council’s By-Laws and Ordinances Committee voted Monday night to advance a proposed ordinance prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer months, sending the contentious issue to the full Town Council for further debate.
After nearly two hours of public comment and committee discussion, the measure passed out of committee by a 5–2 vote.
The draft ordinance would prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with exceptions for single use by residents and certain other specific needs, including for storm clean-up and safety reasons. Use of gas-powered leaf blowers by the Department of Public Works is also exempted in the draft ordinance. Electric leaf blowers would remain permitted, but with tighter time restrictions than in the existing Town noise ordinance.
The vote capped an evening that reflected a familiar tension in suburban governance: the desire for peace and environmental stewardship, colliding with the practical rhythms of yard work, safety and the local landscaping economy.
A Room Divided
Approximately thirty Town residents attended the meeting in-person and virtually, offering sharply contrasting views.
Supporters described gas-powered leaf blowers as disruptive and unhealthy. Several residents said the noise and fumes made their homes less livable during summer months.
One resident said the issue went beyond annoyance.
“The low frequency noise does move through windows and walls. It’s also not just a noise issue. It’s a huge breathing and smell and health issue,” a resident told the committee.
Others spoke about the broader environmental impacts of two-stroke engines commonly used in gas blowers.
Another speaker urged the town to follow nearby communities that have already adopted similar restrictions.
“There’s 31 local towns adjacent to ours that have some restrictions in place,” a resident said.
But landscapers and some homeowners warned that the proposal could create economic hardship and operational challenges.
One landscaper argued the policy misunderstood how the equipment is used in summer.
“People are asking what we blow in the summertime… there’s tons of clippings that just cover the entire lawn,” he said, noting that removing fertilizer and debris can be necessary for safety and environmental compliance.
Others said electric equipment remains less practical for large properties and long workdays.
Committee Debate
Committee members themselves were divided.
Chair Hilary Ormond framed the proposal as a measured step forward rather than a sweeping change.
“We can deliver something to Town Council that is measured, that is considerate, that’s a compromise, and that moves the ball forward,” she said during deliberations.
Supporters on the committee said residents have repeatedly raised concerns about noise and quality of life.
Committee member Kimberly Norton pointed to the volume of public feedback.
“The overwhelming amount of emails that we got is to please stop the leaf blower noise,” she said.
Other committee members argued that addressing the issue through a separate ordinance was more effective than modifying the town’s broader noise ordinance.
Heather Russell emphasized the underlying motivation.
“This is fundamentally about quality of life and public health,” she said.
Opponents on the committee questioned whether the proposal was ready to move forward.
Vice Chairman Eric Thunem said the issue should instead be handled through amendments to the existing noise ordinance.
“I believe the draft ordinance before us, as currently written, is overreaching and unnecessary,” he said.
Maria Naughton also raised concerns that the draft was overly complex, inconsistent and could prove difficult to enforce.
What Happens Next
With the committee vote completed, the proposed ordinance will now go before the full Town Council, likely in April after it concludes work on the town budget.
Town Council members indicated that additional revisions could still be made before final adoption. The ordinance will also require a public hearing.
For now, the proposal has done what contentious local issues often do: reveal the competing visions of community life.
On one side are residents seeking quieter summer evenings and cleaner air. On the other are landscapers and homeowners who worry that well-intentioned rules could complicate everyday work and safety.
The Town Council will now decide whether New Canaan joins the list of towns placing seasonal limits on gas-powered leaf blowers — or charts its own path.
