Council defers citywide gas leaf‑blower ban; supports targeted pilots, business rebates and infrastructure study

Kirkland City Council on March 18 reviewed the second‑year results of a community‑led initiative to phase out gas‑powered leaf blowers and move to electric equipment. Staff and community advocates presented demonstrations, pilot data and initial options; after extended discussion council members declined to adopt a citywide ban in 2025 and asked staff to return with more limited, actionable pilots and support programs.

What staff presented: Mikayla Benz (temporary special projects coordinator) and others summarized two years of activity on Resolution R5585, including public trade‑in events, community education (Leaf‑Rake Pledge Program), roundtables and a proposed local business rebate. Staff said electric tool technology has improved but remains uneven for high‑usage municipal and commercial work: crews and many commercial landscapers find current battery blowers heavier and less capable for prolonged commercial use.

Key facts and findings reported

- Demonstrations and vendor research show electric blowers can work well in many homeowner and light‑commercial scenarios, but city crews and large landscape contractors reported challenges in continuous heavy‑use situations (battery duration, charging needs, ergonomics).

- City pilot data show the need to upgrade charging infrastructure at maintenance and parks facilities if the city were to transition fleets; staff estimated additional accessories (holsters, batteries) and possible extra staff time to maintain current service levels with electric equipment.

- Staff flagged equity concerns: many local landscapers are small, often BIPOC or women‑owned businesses; a quick ban could impose disproportionate costs with limited local market alternatives.

Council direction

Council members agreed on a common set of next steps rather than a ban in 2025:

- Continue and expand targeted pilots: several councilmembers supported seasonal (Memorial Day to Labor Day) electric‑only operation trials in select parks and a city‑crew pilot to test logistics, charging and service impacts.

- Develop a local business rebate program: staff should return with a rebate design to help small landscape firms convert tools and to explore manufacturer financing or cooperative purchasing to reduce barriers.

- Charge‑infrastructure assessment: staff will evaluate charging needs at park facilities and the Public Works Maintenance Center and report back with cost estimates and options (including procurements and a possible electric‑truck pilot to support charging in the field).

- No immediate ordinance: council declined to adopt a citywide ban at this meeting, preferring to gather more operational data and analyze equity impacts; multiple councilmembers urged continued legislative advocacy for a statewide approach.

Quotations

- "In typical use cases ... gas powered blowers are more efficient and preferred," staff said, summarizing crew and contractor feedback.

- "I would be in favor of an ordinance affecting homeowners and individual users that exempted professional gardeners," Councilmember Tim Chisen said, reflecting the concern for cross‑jurisdiction work by commercial operators.

Ending note: Staff will return with pilot outcomes, a draft business rebate program and a charging infrastructure assessment; council asked for continued outreach with small landscape businesses and vendors before considering any ordinance.