To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
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INTRODUCE BY TITLE ONLY ORDINANCE NO. 3269-24, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 5, SECTION 4-24.507 OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE, MODIFYING THE CITY-WIDE BAN ON LEAF BLOWERS TO ALLOW THE USE OF ELECTRIC LEAF BLOWERS DURING CONSTRUCTION HOURS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Per direction provided by the City Council on February 20, 2024, staff is presenting an ordinance to amend the Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) to allow use of battery-operated leaf blowers during regular construction hours for introduction and first reading. Use of all leaf blowers has been prohibited in Redondo Beach since August 2018.
BACKGROUND
On February 20, 2024, the City Council discussed amending the ban on the use of leaf blowers in Redondo Beach, which has been in place since August 2018.
Battery-operated leaf blowers produce less noise and air pollution from exhaust, when compared to their gas-powered counterparts. The Council, following deliberation, voted to amend the leaf blower ban to allow use of battery-operated devices during normal construction hours, which under the Municipal Code are 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays.
Allowing the use of battery-powered leaf blowers may provide convenience for residents and firms conducting contracted work in the City. The use of battery-operated leaf blowers also has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes Public Works personnel to collect debris from public right of way and other landscape maintenance areas.
Attached, for introduction and first reading, is an Ordinance to amend Chapter 24, Article 5, Section 4-24.507 of the RBMC. If approved, staff will return for second reading of the Ordinance on April 2, 2024.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated by the Public Works Department. The City Attorney’s Office prepared the Ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the preparation of the proposed Ordinance. As was discussed during the February 20, 2024 City Council meeting, the ability to use electric leaf blowers is expected to significantly reduce staff time and costs associated with regular Public Works landscape maintenance operations.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Ord - No. 3269-24 Amending RBMC Chapter 24, Article 5, Section 4-24.507
• Administrative Report - City Council, February 20, 2024