Why?

No, Why is it needed? The only thing would be maybe an ordinance on what times they can be used. Like not before 8AM on Weekdays and before 10am on Weekends.

Wouldn't a general noise ordinance cover something like that? Why create laws ad nauseam over minutia? Most commercial leaf blowers are four-stroke powered these days anyway; weed-whackers are two stroke and create far more noise.

I agree with Craig Foster, just limit the times that the leaf blowers can be used. I'd rather listen to the noise than know someone could be laid up for days with a sore back from the raking -- like my husband and myself.

Code of the City of Melrose:

§ 164-8. Outdoor implements.
Any power lawn mower, power hedge clipper, power saw or such other implement designed primarily for outdoor use shall be operated within the city only between the hours 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays; however, such equipment, the operation of which conforms to the maximum allowable sound levels as prescribed in § 164-7, may be operated during the hours otherwise prohibited by this section.

while i think that leaf blowers are silly (i'd rather have a leaf vacuum, if not using a rake), the noise ordinance certainly seems to cover any concerns. and why would arlington want a seasonal ban? will a seasonal ban on snowblowers be far behind?

Seasonal ban on everything!

I agree that existing noise ordinances, if enforced, would suffice.

A seasonal ban on a device whose primary purpose is to help maintain that particular season? So i'm allowed to use it to shovel snow? The ban is silly, will drive up the cost of labor for those people who run businesses in lawn care (and potentially impact the existence of some businesses), and prevent the homeowner who is looking to use an otherwise acceptable device to help with his or her own property. Follow the noise ordinance and the Outdoor implements code and we'll all be fine.

How about a noise ordinance that is enforceable for non-stop barking dogs left outside all night long?

I am sitting in my house right now - windows closed and the neighbors have a cleanup crew with multiple gas leaf blowers - it's torture - they are way too loud and should be banned. Getting a huge headache - this is noise pollution.

Awe, life is so hard for Anne.

My windows are shut right now and I can still hear the children down the street playing. Better make an ordinance for that too.