Council approves one‑year ban on leaf blowers in fire‑affected areas; members stress narrow scope

The Los Angeles City Council on Jan. 24 approved an amendment to prohibit leaf blowers in areas directly affected by the recent wildfires for a one‑year, temporary period.

Councilmember Imelda Padilla told colleagues she supported a one‑year temporary prohibition rather than an indefinite ban to balance public‑health concerns with the incomes of gardeners who work in affected neighborhoods. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez said the motion should be explicit about applying only to areas directly hit by the fires, citing instances where enforcement risked becoming neighborhood disputes.

Why it matters: Councilmembers framed the measure as a health protection tied to wildfire smoke and airborne toxins while also seeking to shield workers who rely on landscape work for pay. The amendment was intended as an interim, narrowly tailored step during recovery.

Implementation and enforcement: Council members asked the Bureau of Street Services and other departments to be mindful of enforcement, to avoid weaponizing the restriction in neighbor‑to‑neighbor disputes and to coordinate on clear geographic boundaries for the prohibition. The council approved the amendment on a recorded vote of 14 ayes.

What passed: The amendment prohibits use of leaf blowers in fire‑affected areas on a one‑year temporary basis; it applies only to areas the council designates as directly affected by the fires. The motion does not create a permanent citywide ban and directs departments to report back as needed.