Leaf Blowers Not Banned in Sonoma

In a qualified triumph of technology, leaf blowers will not be banned on city property as originally directed by the Sonoma City Council following a lengthy public hearing. That one-year, experimental moratorium, tentatively scheduled to begin Feb. 1, was unanimously rescinded after Public Works Director Milenka Bates recited a dire litany of negative impacts that would follow if her miniscule staff were deprived of the devices.

But leaf blower use in the city at large will be further restricted and banned altogether on city-observed holidays and on Sundays. In addition, the allowable noise level allowed by the machines will be reduced to 70 decibels, as measured at 50 feet from the source. That is a significant reduction from the 90-decibel level currently allowed, and prompted Mayor Laurie Gallian to ask, ''How will I know the decibel level of my leaf blower, hypothetically, of course?''

Answers from city staff included the suggestion that blower owners look at their product literature, and that residents can request a sound level be taken with the city's decibel meter.

Under the new rules, leaf blower use will be restricted in residential areas to the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 7 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday on commercial property. Leaf blower use on parks and other public property would be limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The tightened leaf blower regulations do not affect use of other power equipment, like lawn mowers and power tools.