Alexandria’s City Council voted May 17 to amend the municipal noise ordinance and ban gas‑powered leaf blowers across the city, concluding a multi‑year campaign by residents and environmental advocates who cited noise, air pollution and public‑health concerns.

Speakers at the public hearing described gas‑powered blowers as an acute nuisance and health hazard: the two‑stroke engines are loud, emit fine particulates, and are used year‑round in pockets of the city. Many residents told council they had lost days of productive work or rest because of sustained outdoor noise. Advocates pointed to neighboring jurisdictions and recent studies showing that electric blowers produce far lower sound levels and eliminate a significant portion of local air pollution caused by two‑stroke small engines.

The council approved the ordinance after a roll‑call vote with unanimous support. Under the ordinance, the city will phase out gas‑powered equipment used by municipal crews within one year; private landscapers and homeowner‑owned machines will have an 18‑month phase‑in. Staff told council they will immediately begin a communications and outreach plan and explore incentive programs and exchange pilots — including coordinating with regional partners such as the Clean Air nonprofit partner noted in the meeting — to help homeowners and landscaping firms convert to electric equipment.

Council members said the phase‑in balances worker and small‑business considerations against public health and environmental benefits. Some council members raised the idea of a shorter transition period; others urged a robust communications and incentive package to prevent cost pressures on small landscaping businesses. Staff noted they will present details on proposed incentives before the phase‑in period ends and that an exchange pilot for residential units is already being explored with a nonprofit partner.

The noise‑code change amends Title 11, Chapter 5 of the municipal code; city administrative staff will finalize guidance and a compliance plan for permits, enforcement and outreach. Residents and neighborhood groups who campaigned for the ban said they will monitor implementation and urged the council to ensure that the trade‑off includes accessible incentives for smaller operators.