July Public Hearing and Special Public Comment Period
Public Hearing on Phased-In Restrictions of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
At its July 8 meeting, the Town Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to implement phased-in restrictions on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Town.
In May, the Town’s Climate and Environment Committee (CEC) presented a report to the Town Council requesting action to address noise, harmful pollutants, and other impacts from gas-powered leaf blowers on landscape workers and residents. In response to the Committee’s specific request for a phased-in ban, the Council asked the Town attorney to draft an ordinance to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on Sundays, effective September 1, 2020, and to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on weekends and federal holidays, effective January 1, 2021. The Council amended and introduced the ordinance at its June 10 Council meeting. The amendment stipulates that no fines will be imposed by the Town for violations of the new regulations prior to January 1, 2022.
A complete copy of the ordinance and the CEC’s report to the Town Council are available for review on the Town website. If you would like to participate in the July 8 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., you may join online at https://zoom.us/j/3016547144 or by phone at 301-715-8592. The Town’s meeting identification number is 301 654 7144. If you are unable to participate in the July Council meeting, you may submit comments to townoffice@townofchevychase.org.
Special Public Comment Period on Total Ban of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
At its July 8 meeting, the Town Council will hold a special public comment period to solicit community feedback on the Climate and Environment Committee’s proposal to implement a total ban of a gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 1, 2022. The Council will consider all public comments before deciding whether and how to proceed with a proposed ordinance, which would be subject to a future public hearing. If you are unable to participate in the July Council meeting, you may submit comments to townoffice@townofchevychase.org.