Community
New Castle residents - no gas leaf blowers June 1 to Sep 30. Learn more at newcastlesab.org/leaf-blower-ordinance
Q: What is the new Leaf Blower Environmental Protection Ordinance?
A: The Leaf Blower Environmental Protection Ordinance restricts the use of gas-powered leaf blowers each year from June 1 through September 30. Electric leaf blowers are permitted during this period, but residents are encouraged to limit their use. Gas and electric powered leaf blowers are permitted from October 1 to May 31. The law was unanimously passed by the New Castle Town Board on September 22, 2020.
Q: Where can I find the law?
A: The leaf blower ordinance is an amendment to General Legislation, Chapter 90 Noises, and is found under section 6 Permitted and regulated noises. A copy of the law can be found here: https://ecode360.com/NE0395/laws/LF1293958.pdf
Q: How will landscaping companies be informed about the ordinance?
A: New Castle residents are the best way to get the word out and are responsible for understanding town requirements and regulations for any type of work happening on their own or rented property; They should alert and remind their lawn care companies to follow the law. New Castle does not maintain a list of lawn care providers however, the discussions and development of a leaf blower law have been promoted over the past four years. Local landscaping companies attended public hearings about the law and provided feedback. Demonstrations of electric/battery-powered landscaping equipment were promoted and held at the Chappaqua Farmers Market and for town employees. To assist residents, neighbors, and property owners with communicating to their landscaping/lawn care companies, the following 2-sided information sheet can be handed out: GLB Law Info Sheet
Q. Who is responsible for enforcement of this law?
A. Enforcement is outlined within Chapter §90 of the Town Code, section 10 (§ 90-10) which states: “The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Police Department of the Town of New Castle or other officials designated by the Town Board.”
Q. How do I report a violation?
A. The law will first be applicable on June 1, 2021, and both residents and lawn care professionals will be learning about and adapting to the new law so your patience is requested. Homeowners have a responsibility to notify any lawncare professionals working on their property. If you notice a violation outside of your own property, it is suggested that you first alert the resident as they may not be aware of the law or be home when the offense takes place. You can hand out or leave a copy of an information sheet that also contains translations in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Hindi: GLB Law Info Sheet
Residents can report repeated violations on the same property or by the same landscaping company to the Town of New Castle non-emergency police number at (914) 238-4422.
Q: What is the penalty for violating the leaf blower ordinance?
A: Offenses are outlined within Chapter §90 of the Town Code, section 11 (§ 90-11) which states: “Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not exceeding $250. Each day that a violation shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.” This penalty is similar to those of other municipalities.
Q: Where can I download a copy of the Info sheet sent to all residents:
A. The full URL can be found here: http://www.newcastlesab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/TNC-GLB-LAW-Handout-Side-1-and-2-Final-wNewGraphic.pdf
Q: Where can I learn more about the law:
A. The latest information, included updated FAQs will be maintained on the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) website at: newcastlesab.org/leaf-blower-ordinance
New Castle residents - no gas leaf blowers June 1 to Sep 30. Learn more at newcastlesab.org/leaf-blower-ordinance 
Summary of Ordinance - Effective September 22, 2020
June 1 –September 30
- No Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers (GLBs)
- Electric Leaf Blowers are permitted
- Gas and Electric powered Leaf Blowers are permitted
- 8 AM –8 PM –Mon –Fri
- 9 AM –8 PM –Sat
- 9 AM –5 PM –Sun & Holidays
- All other times not to exceed 45 dB(A)
- Chappaqua Central School District’s recreational fields and tennis courts, Town of New Castle recreational fields and tennis courts, country clubs’ tennis courts, homeowner associations’ tennis courts, swim clubs’ tennis courts, golf courses, and cemeteries.
- Use of any gas-powered motorized leaf blower shall be minimized to the maximum extent practical.
- The Commissioner of Public Works may temporarily authorize the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in case of emergency circumstances.
- The Town Administrator may authorize the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on certain properties if a public safety concern exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new Leaf Blower Environmental Protection Ordinance?
A: The Leaf Blower Environmental Protection Ordinance restricts the use of gas-powered leaf blowers each year from June 1 through September 30. Electric leaf blowers are permitted during this period, but residents are encouraged to limit their use. Gas and electric powered leaf blowers are permitted from October 1 to May 31. The law was unanimously passed by the New Castle Town Board on September 22, 2020.
Q: Where can I find the law?
A: The leaf blower ordinance is an amendment to General Legislation, Chapter 90 Noises, and is found under section 6 Permitted and regulated noises. A copy of the law can be found here: https://ecode360.com/NE0395/laws/LF1293958.pdf
Q: How will landscaping companies be informed about the ordinance?
A: New Castle residents are the best way to get the word out and are responsible for understanding town requirements and regulations for any type of work happening on their own or rented property; They should alert and remind their lawn care companies to follow the law. New Castle does not maintain a list of lawn care providers however, the discussions and development of a leaf blower law have been promoted over the past four years. Local landscaping companies attended public hearings about the law and provided feedback. Demonstrations of electric/battery-powered landscaping equipment were promoted and held at the Chappaqua Farmers Market and for town employees. To assist residents, neighbors, and property owners with communicating to their landscaping/lawn care companies, the following 2-sided information sheet can be handed out: GLB Law Info Sheet
Q. Who is responsible for enforcement of this law?
A. Enforcement is outlined within Chapter §90 of the Town Code, section 10 (§ 90-10) which states: “The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Police Department of the Town of New Castle or other officials designated by the Town Board.”
Q. How do I report a violation?
A. The law will first be applicable on June 1, 2021, and both residents and lawn care professionals will be learning about and adapting to the new law so your patience is requested. Homeowners have a responsibility to notify any lawncare professionals working on their property. If you notice a violation outside of your own property, it is suggested that you first alert the resident as they may not be aware of the law or be home when the offense takes place. You can hand out or leave a copy of an information sheet that also contains translations in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Hindi: GLB Law Info Sheet
Residents can report repeated violations on the same property or by the same landscaping company to the Town of New Castle non-emergency police number at (914) 238-4422.
Q: What is the penalty for violating the leaf blower ordinance?
A: Offenses are outlined within Chapter §90 of the Town Code, section 11 (§ 90-11) which states: “Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not exceeding $250. Each day that a violation shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.” This penalty is similar to those of other municipalities.
Q: Where can I download a copy of the Info sheet sent to all residents:
A. The full URL can be found here: http://www.newcastlesab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/TNC-GLB-LAW-Handout-Side-1-and-2-Final-wNewGraphic.pdf
Q: Where can I learn more about the law:
A. The latest information, included updated FAQs will be maintained on the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) website at: newcastlesab.org/leaf-blower-ordinance
Address/Location
New Castle Police Department
200 South Greeley Avenue
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1