HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/05/2003 B A K E R S F I E L D
David Couch, Chair
Sue Benham
Mike Maggard
Staff: John W. Stinson
URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMII'rEE MEETING
of the City Council - City of Bakersfield
Monday, May 5, 2003
1:00 p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room, Suite 201
Second Floor- City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. ADOPT APRIL 7, 2003 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding northeast bluffs
steep-slope issues - Hardisty
B. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding leaf blowers- Slater
5. NEW BUSINESS
6. COMMI'I-FEE COMMENTS
7. ADJOURNMENT
S:~JOHN~Council Committees\Urban Development 2003\ud03may05.doc
DRAFT
B A K E R S F I E L D
~/~ ~"~ ~' ~- David Couch, Chair
Alan Tandy, City Manager Sue Benham
Staff: dohn W. Stinson 'Mike Maggard
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
URBAN DEVELOPUENT COMMITTEE
Monday, April 7, 2003, 3:00 p.m.
City Manager's Conference [Room - City Hall
1. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 3:04 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers David Couch, Chair; Sue Benham and Mike Maggard
2. ADOPT MARCH 3, 2003 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
Adopted as submitted.
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Lorraine Unger spoke regarding the Committee agenda for today's meeting not being on
the City's website and suggested the Committee's meeting calendar also be posted on
the website.
Committee Chair Couch requested staff to put the Committee's meeting calendar on the
website but to add a disclaimer as Committee meetings may need to be rescheduled or
canceled.
4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding Transportation
Development Fees
Public Works Civil Engineer Marian Shaw provided a memo with a preliminary report and
gave an update on the status of the Phase III Transportation Impact Fee schedule. City
and County staffs have done some comparisons with the Kern COG Traffic Model to
further define the list of needed facilities and have also met with a representative from the
BIA.
It was explained the figures in the report are very preliminary. The new (revised) facilities
list projected for 20 years includes about 550 items, with a preliminary program cost of
$4 million. A single family house would go from the current fee of $2,346 to a proposed
DRAFT
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, April 7, 2003
Page - 2 -
new fee of $3,334 per single family house. The fees for heavy/service industrial and light
industrial are proposed to increase over ten times the current fee (previous Councils had
kept the original non-residential fees Iow to promote job creation). It was explained the
total program cost could be lowered by taking projects off the facilities list (lanes, stop
lights, etc.). However, during the first transportation impact fee cycle in 1992, in an effort
to keep the fees lower, the list was trimmed too much and the fees did not fully mitigate
transportation costs for roadways, signals, etc.
In response to questions from Committee Member Maggard regarding extending vesting
rights for tract maps, staff will prepare an informational sheet with what is required by
State law and what is discretionary.
Committee Member Maggard asked about staff's comments' on there being a nexus
between transportation development fees being lower for industrial projects and job
creation. Staff will prepare a written response with examples.
Pauline Larwood, Smart Growth Coalition, spoke regarding the need to have
infrastructure in place as development occurs.
County and City staffs need to refine the preliminary project total. Projects on the impact
fee list must be further evaluated against the Kern COG traffic model to determine if they
are required in order to serve the expected new growth and maintain a Level of Service
"C.' It will take at least another two months to run the list against the traffic model and
make needed adjustments. Staff will meet again with the BIA.
Staff was requested to draft a letter to the Board of Supervisors from the Committee
requesting they act simultaneously with the City to expedite the adoption of the
Transportation Impact Fee schedule due to the amount of money needed to meet critical
transportation needs. This issue will be placed back on the agenda for the June 16th
Committee meeting.
B. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding landscape
ordinance/enforcement
Assistant City Manager John Stinson provided an update on proposed changes made to
the street tree ordinance, as directed by the Committee, to require a permit for
commercial tree contractors who prOvide maintenance or trim trees in City right-of-ways.
At the direction of the Committee, staff sent a letter to tree trimmers regarding the
proposed changes and invited them to a public meeting. Only one tree trimmer came to
the meeting.
The Committee reviewed the proposed changes and voted unanimously for staff, to
forward the street tree ordinance with the proposed changes to the Council.
DRAFT
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, April 7, 2003
Page - 3 -
C. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding additional review of
issues related to the General Plan
Due to. time constraints this item was not reviewed. Committee Chair Couch will meet
with Planning staff to prioritize the issues for review by the Committee.
D. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding space needs
(This item heard first.)
City Manager Alan Tandy gave an update. At Council and Committee's direction, Staff
has been waiting for receipt of appraisals before negotiating with two downtown property
owners on their buildings. The appraisals have been received. However, during the time
the appraisals were being prepared, the City has had a financial reversal and is not in a
position to contemplate space needs until the State legislature concludes its budget
session and the financial impacts on the City's budget can be analyzed. The City
Manager suggested staff suspend negotiations in fairness to the property owners who
may have other offers or lease interests, until the State adopts its budget.
The Committee unanimously agreed. Committee Chair Couch requested staff to send
letters to the two building owners to inform them that the City will be suspending
negotiations pending adoption of the State's budget.
E, Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding leaf blowers
(This item heard after 5.B)
The Committee has reviewed leaf-blower issues at several of its meetings in the past. The
last Committee action taken was to have Recreation and Parks staff develop and
distribute educational materials to those who sell leaf blowers for distribution to their
customers.
Administrative Analyst Trudy Slater reported on leaf-blower issues, which included dust,
air pollution from the engine, and noise. Air pollution is regulated by the California Air
Resources Board. Ms. Slater quoted from a memo by David L. Crow, Air Pollution Control
Officer, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Board, which provided information that
there is not .sufficient official data on the quantity of fugitive dust resuspended by leaf
blowers to recommend regulation banning the use of leaf blowers; however, City and
County's regulate noise issues and can restrict or ban leaf blowers due to noise.
Lt. Moesta spoke regarding complaints on leaf-blower noise received and handled by the
Police Department in residential areas.
Roger Hartley spoke regarding air pollution and particulate matter caused by leaf blowers.
The Committee requested staff to meet with the gardeners again regarding leaf blowers
and possible solutions they may have other than banning the use of leaf blowers and
report back to the Committee at its May 5th meeting.
DRAFT
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, April 7, 2003
Page - 4 -
5. NEW BUSINESS
None.
6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Attendance - staff: City Manager Alan Tandy; Assistant City Manager John W. Stinson;
Deputy City Attorney Ginny Gennaro; Public Works Director Raul Rojas; Development
Services Director Jack Hardisty; Planning Director Stan Grady; Lt. Joe Moesta;
Administrative Analyst Trudy Slater; Recreation and Parks Director Stan Ford; Paul Graham,
Urban Forester; and Public Works Civil Engineer Marian Shaw.
Others: Roger Mclntosh, Mclntosh and Associates; Brian .Todd, BIA of Kern County; Pauline
Larwood, Smart Growth Coalition; Lorraine Unger, Sierra Club; Dana Karcher, Tree
Foundation; Roger Hartley; James Burger, reporter, The Bakersfield Californian.
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
S:~JOHN~Council Committees\Urban Development 2003~ud03apr07summary.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
April 30, 2003
TO: JOHN W. STINSON, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
SLATER, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST III ~ ~
FROM:
TRUDY
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH LOCAL GARDENERS RE LEAF BLOWERS
At the Urban Development Committee of April 7, 2003, the Committee directed City staff to meet with
local gardeners to try to find solutions to continuing issues related to the use of leaf blowers in the City.
On April 18, you, Parks Supervisor Ed Lazarotti, and I met with gardener representatives Javier Ortega,
Ortega's Yard Care, Larry Jack, Grass Masters, and Bill Hoy, Bill's Lawn Service, to discuss leaf
blowers.
The gardening professionals continued to support educational efforts to inform individuals on how to
use blowers and having operators use common sense as well as courtesy. It was suggested posters
be placed where blowers are sold (in English and Spanish) as well as a one page information sheet
(also in English and Spanish). Representatives felt banning leaf blowers would wipe out the industry
which they felt included 6,000-7,000 local gardeners, have a major impact on the 10-15 major repair
shops in town, and would affect retail businesses, including Lowe's, the Home Depot, Sears, Abate-A-
Weed and Gardener's Supply Co.
Industry representatives also felt that banning blowers would not stop all those using blowers but would
merely make them illegal, leaving enforcement issues. Restrictions on times and/or days, although
generally supported by industry representatives in attendance, might have enforcement impacts.
Several points were made, which included:
Dust will still get kicked up from rakes and brooms
Vacuums are just as noisy and less practical than blowers; dirt is still disturbed
Other power equipment commonly found in neighbor, hoods, such as lawn mowers,
table saws, and motor cycles are as noisy or even noisier than leaf blowers.
Watering will be needed and used to clean areas to the same level as leaf blowers
LA banned gas powered leaf blowers but gardeners are using butane powered blowers
which are just as bad
On average, a home is exposed to a single leaf blower operation for no more than
5-7 minutes per visit
Attached is an article, provided by Recreation and Parks, from California Landscapinq Magazine (in
English and Spanish) on leaf blower usage.
P:klWS\M0304301-LeafBIowers
Attachment
Ace-ing The Leaf Blower Test
by Barbara Alvarez, Golden State Landscaping, Inc.
Leaf blowers, without a doubt, are the most To achieve the best score on this portion of the test,
controversial tool in a landscape contractor's truck, consider The Ten Commandments When Using a Leaf
Properly used, they can maximize a worker's efficiency Blower:
while reducing costs. Improperly used, they can · Be considerate of other people and their property.
generate health risks for workers, complaints from · Operate your blower at the lowest possible throttle
property owners and citations from police officers. The speed.
key to proper use -- and to ace-ing this portion of the · Use rakes and brooms to remove the large debris
Certified Landscape Technician exam -- is for the and move piles.
operator to know the safe and correct way to use · Always use the extended blower hose and place it
blowers. The first tip is "Know Your Blower." As with close to the ground.
any machine, read the operator's manual. Being · Be aware of what is happening around you. ·
familiar with a machine before you put it to work Know the local ordinances and operate during
prevents breakdowns, accidents and operator reasonable hours.
inefficiency. Be sure to pre-check your equipment · Clean up when you're finished working and remove
before each use. Make sure that there are no leaks the debris piles.
from or around the fuel tank, and that the fuel cap is · Protect the environment by limiting noise.
tightly closed. Wipe clean any fuel that may have · Protect the environment by limiting dust (lower
spilled. Check all bolts, nuts and screws that may be throttle speed).
loose and tighten them. Check around the fan to make · Use extreme care when fueling your blower (don't
sure it is free of dirt and debris (this prevents engine allow fuel spills).
overheating). Check hoses, clamps, and tube
extensions to make sure they are fastened securely The final step is to be prepared to show the CLT
and in good condition. If you are using a backpack judges what steps are required for proper
blower, make sure the shoulder straps have the proper maintenance. Can you change an air filter, maintain
fit. The CLT judges will check you as you check these the proper fuel mixture and keep your machine clean.
key pre-use areas, by removing any oily grime, dirt and debris?
The next step is to inspect the site for safety concerns. If you follow these simple tips, you should have no
Look for hidden hazards such as glass, rocks or large problems ace-ing the test and, more importantly,
debris that must be removed. Be on the alert for becoming a competent and professional blower user.
beehives, poison ivy, poison oak, or other unusual Good luck!
conditions. Pay attention to nearby people, animals
and automobiles, and give them the right of way. Want more advice on how to ace the Certified
Landscape Technician's test? Check out the library
Before you fire up the machine, make sure that you are section of www. clca.org (member log-in required) for
using proper safety gear (it's major points off for additional Ace Tips in English and Spanish.
ignoring safety concerns).
Proper safety gear includes:
· Eye protection -- the use of protective glasses that
meet the ANSI standard (ANSI Z87.1)
· Ear protection -- foam earplugs or large earmuff
style protectors.
· Boots or hard-toed shoes -- no sneakers or sandals
are allowed
· Clothing -- long pants and reflective vests when
working in high traffic areas so drivers can see you.
· Dust masks-- protect your lungs.
Barbara Alvarez, Golden State [,andscaping Inc.
No hay duda de que los sopladores de hojas son las
herramientas m~s controversiales que hay en las camionetas de Entre los dispositivos apropiados de seguridad se incluyen los
los jardineros contratistas. Si se utilizan adecuadamente, pueden siguientes:
realzar al m~ximo la eficiencia de un trabajador y reducir los · Protecci6n para los ojos C el uso de gafas de protecci6n que
costos. Por el contrario, si se usa mai, pueden producir riesgos satisfagan la norma de ANSI (ANSI Z87.1).
para la salud de los trabajadores, quejas de dueflos de ° Protecci6n para los oidos C Tapones de oidos de espuma o
propiedades y contravenciones de agentes de policia. La clave protectores del tipo de orejeras.
para el empleo apropiado del dispositivo Cy para obtener las ° Botas o zapatos de puntera dura. No se permiten zapatos
calificaciones mils attas en esta porci6n del examen de T~cnico tenis ni sandalias.
Certificado en Jardineria es que el operario conozca el modo · Ropas C Pantalones largos y chamarras reflectoras cuando
seguro y correcto de utilizar los sopladores, est~ trabajando en zonas de mucho tr/msito, para que los
conductores puedan verle.
La primera recomendaci6n es que: AConozca su soptador@. ° Caretas contra el polvo C protecci6n para sus pulmones.
Como en el caso de cualquier m~quina, lea el manual del
usuario. E1 hecho de estar familiarizado con la m~quina desde Para obtener las calificaciones rni~s alms en esta parte de la
antes de ponerla a funcionar impide que se produzcan prueba, tome en cuenta los diez mandamientos para usar un
interrupciones, accidentes y que el operario sea ineficiente, soplador de hojas:
AsegOrese de verificar al avarice sus equipos antes de cada ° Tenga consideraci6n para otras personas y sus propiedades.
utilizaci6n. Compruebe que no haya fugas del dep6sito de ° Utilice su soplador a la velocidad de aceleraci6n m~s baja
combustible o sus inmediaciones y que la mpa del dep6sito est~ que sea posible.
bien cerrada. Enjugue el combustible que se haya derramado. · Utilice rastrillos y escobas para retirar los desechos grandes y
Examine todos los pernos, las tuercas y los tornillos que puedan desplazar montones de hojas.
aflojarse y apri~telos. Vea en torno a las zonas del aventador para · Use siempre la manguera extendida del soplador y
asegurarse de que est~n libres de suciedad y desechos (esto evita mant~ngala muy cerca el suelo.
que el motor se caliente en exceso). Verifique las mangueras, las ° Est~ al tanto de lo que suceda a su alrededor.
abrazaderas y las extensiones de tubos para asegurarse de que · Conozca las ordenanzas locales y haga su trabajo durante
est~n bien acoplados yen buenas condiciones de horas razonabl~s.
funcionamiento. Si usa un soplador de mochila, asegOrese de · Limpie todo c.?ando haya terminado su trabajo y retire los
que los tirantes para los hombros est~n bien ajustados. Los montones de desechos.
jueces del examen de t~cnico certificado en jardineria 1o · Proteja el aml)iente limitando el ruido.
observar~n mientras examina esas zonas cruciales antes de la · Proteja el ambiente, limitando el polvo (baja velocidad) y
utilizacidn del dispositivo. · Tenga mucho cuidado al echarle combustible a su soplador
(no permita que se derrame).
El paso siguiente consiste en la inspecci6n del sitio para vet si
hay problemas de seguridad. Vea si hay peligros ocultos, tales El Ultimo paso consiste en estar preparado para mostrarles a los
como vidrios, piedras o desechos grandes que se deber/m retirar, jueces del examen de tdcnico certificado en jardineria qu~ se
Tenga cuidado para detectar colmenas de abejas, zumaque debe hacer para el mantenimiento apropiado. )Puede cambiar
venenoso, ~bol de las pulgas u otras condiciones poco un filtro de aim, establecer la mezcla apropiada de combustible
habituales. Preste atencidn a personas, animales y automdviles y mantener su m~iquina limpia, retirando los depdsitos de
que se encuentren cerca y c~dales el paso. aceite, la tierra y los desechos?
Antes de poner en marcha la m~quina, asegOrese de estar Si sigue estas recomendaciones simples, no debera tener ningtin
utilizando los dispositivos apropiados de seguridad (se pierden problema para obtener calificaciones alms en la prueba para
muchos puntos de calfficaci6n pot hacer caso omiso de los convertirse en un usuario competente y profesional de
asuntos relativos a la seguridad), sopladores. Buena suerte!
California Landscaping 5
To the Bakersfield City Council:
The attached letter is for your review. Landowners, concerned citizens, and the
Bakersfield Bluffs and Open Space Committee attended the March 4, 2003 meeting of
the Urban Development Committee. Council member Mike Maggard requested that the
Planning Department provide a map showing the building and structure setback. The
Planning Department stated that could be provided at the next meeting Urban
DeveloPment Committee meeting in April.
The attached letter is meant to reaffirm our committee's goal of simply having the City of
Bakersfield study future development on the Northeast Bluffs.
Thank you,
To the Bakersfield City Council Urban Development Committee:
Thank you for your consideration at the last meeting on March 4 regarding the issue of
development on the Northeast Bluffs. The Bakersfield Bluffs & Open Space Committee wants to
reflect on the statements made, separating troth from fiction.
1) The referral to the UDC was on the issue of Northeast Bluffs Development, not on an
isolated issue of setbacks. The Bakersfield Bluffs & Open SpaCe Committee is very concerned about
planned developments on top of and on the edge of the Northeast Bluffs. Currently, develOped lots are
to the edge of the Bluffs (i.e. where the slope meets daylight.) If allowed, homeowners will continue
abuse, the BlUffs, just as they have in the past 30 years. Mr. Leonard's demonstration relates only to
buildings and pools, which have not been the problem. The problem has been the lot lines.
2) The Planning Department will provide a map depicting current setbacks for buildings, not
for lot lines. Erosion and landslides do not occur due to building a house. Landslides occur because
of the buildup of water in the unstable soil. This can occur naturally, as in E1 Nino years, or due to
homeowner negligence or accidents, when water lines break. Water buildup then uses the added load
of a house or pool to initiate the landslide. Erosion occurs due to loading of water on the surface of
the Bluffs. Again this can occur naturally, but has been homeowner-caused in the Northeast Bluffs.
Erosion has not been due to poor planning by developers, but by subsequent homeowner actions such
as moving fences and adding irrigation to the slopes. Current regulations do not take subsequent
homeowners into account. Please recall that all staff states that past developments have caused
landslides and erosion. Homeowners have been a leading cause of the problems. Thus without further
study, how can staff or council members state past problems have been solved due to new regulations
when those regulations do not address homeowners?
3) Our committee simply wanted the City to study the geology of the Northeast Bluffs and its
future development, with input the landowners, to come up with known problems, and potential
solutions. This would occur on an area-wide basis. If studied now, developers could incorporate the
findings when drawing tentative maps, thus saving money. If not studied, each development may be
met with great resistance due to a lack of appropriate planning in accounting for the unique geology of
the Northeast Bluffs. As our committee has stated before, we are sensitive to landowner fights. We
are also concerned for future homeowners and citizens who will be on the Bluffs.
4) Both Staff and current landowners jumped to an uninformed conclusion that our committee
wants to take away property rights. As stated above, our committee wants to study the Northeast
Bluffs, not condemn any property. The brilliance of studying the issue is that any developer, any
staff member, and any councilmember would have this knowledge when drawing up, reviewing,
and authorizing future homes on the Northeast Bluffs. The overall issue of developing on bluffs is
not new. Many communities have studied the issue, and have made many different conclusions. Lets
use their basis of knowledge as a starting point. Bakersfield has not studied the issue, so no one knows
what our city's conclusion will be. As of this moment, the conclusion will be different on every
development. The first will get a 50' lot line setback, the next a 100'. After that fails, perhaps a 140'
lot line setback. This is how Jack Hardisty explained the Building Code. The Building Code comes
out every t.hree years, anal gives minimum standards based upon prior development failures. The City'
of Bakersfield is currently doing the same by authorizing future development failures.
"THE QUIET REVOLUTION"
~Thlere are
~two sides
to every
story,.,
A Training Manual in the Proper Use of Leaf Blowers
Echo, Inc.
400 Oakwood Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
January 2, 2003 By: Larry Will
Page 2
Table of contents Page
Introduction 3
The origin of the leaf blower 4
Leaf blower use 4
The problem 5
Leaf blower concerns 5
Anti-leaf blower web pages 7
Leaf blower improvements 9
Guidelines to eliminate the leaf blower issue 10
Guideline # 1...Be Considerate 10
Guideline #2...Observe noise ordinances 11
Guideline #3...Run at Part Throttle 11
Guideline #4...Use only one blower at a time 12
Guideline #5...Minimize dust 12
Guideline #6...Never deliberately blow dust 13
Guideline #7...Replace your old leaf blower 13
Page 3
Introduction:
A great deal is being said about leaf blowers these days and much of it is
negative. That is, the vocal few have done everything they can to control
and in some cases ban the leaf blower. The reason is noise!
The leaf blower has been in the spotlight, under the microscope so to
speak, and has been singled out fi:om all other forms of industrial
equipment as being a serious problem. Some respond that they would not
be able to remain in the lawn care contract business because without it, it would take too
long to do their final cleanup and profits would be severely impacted. Something must
be done to save and protect the leaf blower.
There are many commercial and industrial machines or devices that make
excessive noise yet suffer no objections fi:om those that must listen to them.
In these cases, the noise generated is considered insignificant compared to
the benefits of these machines, which far outweigh the inconvenience.
Surely this is true of the leaf blower yet it has become the darling of the
dissident. Examples of noisy yet tolerable devices include lawn ~~
mowers, diesel trucks, street sweepers and city busses. Yet, it is the leaf
blower that has earned all the negative publicity. You read about it in the
newspaper, see it on TV and even in movies, nearly always in a negative light.
It can't be simply the volume. There must be more to this issue than the
number of decibels measured.
Perhaps it is the time of day one has to endure the sound or the way the engine is
throttled up and down that irritates. Maybe it is the proximity to one's person and
the movement of ak that bothers people. It could even be what it does to their pet
dog that pushes them to the limit of their tolerance. The one major cause of a
bystander becoming irritated by a leaf blower, other than the sound of the blower itself, is
that the operator in simply inconsiderate.
There is something to be said about the type of sound that a blower generates. Older
blowers do tend to whine, which can be as difficult to ignore as a baby crying. It can
make people want to cover their ears like when they hear the sound of feedback on a
public address system. Even at a moderate volume, it makes you want to get up and do
something about it.
So now we know that there is more than one reason why leaf blowers are considered
irritating. It makes sense that it is more than just volume. It could also be the sound
quality of the leaf blower or the operator himself.
But wait! Some say it is exhaust pollution or the dust that is kicked up by the
airflow that is unacceptable. Frankly, these are afterthoughts to the prime
objection of blower sound, but it turns out that all these things are contributing
factors to motivate activists to want to ban blowers. Banning is a response of
desperation and in some cases it is understandable. They are desperate
because until recently, nothing has been done by the manufacturer or the
operator to eliminate the noise generated by the leaf blower.
Page 4
Echo bras taken r~otice of these issues and has done r~mr~y tPaags to minimize if not
dimkmte these ~oathsome blower attributes~ We wgl po~t out what the physical
improvements to kaf btowers are, but the rest is up to yom the operator.
In tkfis pamphlet you will learn the proper way to operate a leaf blower so as to avoid
krkatk% your neighbor a~d the bystander. It will illustrae whal the complaints are and
,Mint can be done to elongate them~ FMally~ k will show you what could happen if these
issues are igr~ore&
The or(gin of the leaf blower:
The leaf bBwer has ~en around for more than 30 years.
The ofigml blower was designed to spread fam~lkers
and pesfiddes over grai~ fields mud fi'uk trees. A
container was mou~ted above a ce~tfi~gal fha as the
source g>r the cherrficals that would be d~sbursed evenly
over the m'ea. Versions oft~s product ~e sfi~l ~a use
today. Echo's name for t~s devke was and ~s the
'~Duster-M~s~er'. it -was d~scovered, back in the 70's
ttmt th~s blower, less the chemkal container, would
r~e an excellent leaf blower, w~ch of course~ ~s
where k got ks atone.
Leaf'blower use:
Tt~ere are mav uses for the leaf blower, including
the cleaning of driveways and s~dewalks after
cutting Ge grass and the reu~val of debris fi'om
parking lots, spots ~enas, dry parks and
construcfio~ skes~ It qukk¢ ~came an knportm~t
cleanup tool, sav~g time over a~temafive methods.
It turns out tb~t t~s product does a ~hr better job
titan a r~e or broom ~d at ~hr less cost due to the
speed ~ whkh k car~ cle~ an area. The leaf
btower ~ms become ~nd~spensdbk.
Typical applications:
Gaher leaves Clean f~m al~d conamction equipment
Vacuum leaves Clean arenas and amusement parks
Remo-ve grass clippings Remove light or flufl~y snow
Clear~ sidewalks Dry offpavement
Dislodge matted grass Clean rain gutters
Clear~ parking lots
Page 5
Intuitively, one can see that the leaf blower will result in significant timesavings over any
alternative there may be. Not only is the leaf blower used for moving leaves, but it is an all-
purpose clean up tool. It is used wherever lightweight materials can be moved by the flow of
air.
Note: A leaf blower is NOT intended for use on gravel driveways, dry dirt or other
potentially dusty surfaces.
The problem:
In recent years, there have been several cities around the United
States that have taken steps to regulate blowers. In 1998, the city of ~
Los Angeles passed an ordinance that prohibits the use of leaf
blowers within 500 feet of a personal residence. It has been difficult
to enforce, but that has not stopped the Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power from spending millions on the design of an
alternative battery powered leaf blower. When this is available, they
believe it will be easier to enforce their ban on gasoline- It's the Law
powered blowers.
In 2000, the California legislature instructed the California Air Resources Board to conduct a
study on the environmental impact of leaf blowers based on information and test results
available at the time. This report made a clear statement that there are many ~
individuals, organizations and municipalities deeply bothered by the leaf -.~,
blower. However, factual information was not available to conclude that leaf ~'~,'~
blowers are detrimental to the environment or hazardous to anyone's health.
For the time being, this report has forestalled a statewide regulation to control
blowers. However, there may be scientific studies conducted in the future that
could be more definitive and detrimental to the leaf blower. It all depends on the mindset of
the organization conducting the study.
There have been similar activities in other large cities such as Vancouver, BC; Toronto, ON;
Portland, OR; Phoenix, AZ; Boulder, CO; and Palo Alto, CA.
There are several non-governmental organizations springing up around the country that are
strongly opposed to the existence of the leaf blower. Their greatest influence has been in
California, but there is talk about banning blowers all over our country and the world, even as
far away as Germany. These activities have served as a wakeup call and should be an
indication that if ignored, could impact the future existence of the leaf blower.
Leaf Blower Concerns:
What are the concerns that make so many people upset about the leaf blower?
Page 6
The greatest issue is the sound that is generated by leaf
blowers, primarily in residential areas. It is the "noise". It's
the volume and it's the quality of sound that bothers people.
Leaf blower noise is traditionally uncomfortable to listen to.
There is also concern about when leaf blowers are used. There are many ~ \
things one would rather not have to listen to after 8:00 PM and the leaf
blower is likely to be one of these.
Many operators do not know how to properly use a leaf blower. There is a right way and a
wrong way to use a blower and it is not always obvious. For example, because blower sound
can be irritating, large blowers should rarely be run at full throttle in a residential area. Also,
care should be given to where debris is blown. Overall, one should understand what it means
to be a courteous and conscientious blower operator.
Anti-blower advocates admit that their main issue is sound. In many cases it is loud and it is a
type of noise that can't be ignored. It interrupts sleep, interferes with conversation and has
been compared to a baby crying. Complaining on the basis of noise, however, has not resulted
in the kind of support needed to result in blower ban legislation.
The issue had to be expanded bom a mere noise'complaint or
irritation to a potential health hazard. The result is their
focusing on engine exhaust emission and the generation of dust. ~,~ -~ ~h
Intuitively, after listening to their argument, people have a
tendency to believe that blowers are hazardous to your health,
plst~ mo~t
which helps their case. Of course, this has no foundation in
fact, as the CARB report indicated.
There are many efforts to place a "black cloud" over leaf
blowers. Among these is an extensive web page (see below)
compiled and financed by independent environmental
activists. What is interesting is that these people are not
radicals. They are truly disturbed by the loud; mostly
irritating sounds generated by blowers and they feel
compelled to do something about it. In their zeal, they are
using every argument they can to paint the blower as an evil
and unnecessary landscaping tool. This type of information
serves to reinforce those that are considering limiting the use of leaf
blowers in their own community.
If you want to keep up on what is happening around the country in
the movement to ban blowers, the best place to look is on the
Internet. Type in "Leaf Blower" on any search engine.
Page 7
/lnti-leaf blower web pages:
One very aggressive organization is called Zero Air Pollution, based in California. The tool
they use to make their point is a web page on the Internet located at zapla.org. It is over 160
printed pages and has links to many other locations to provide as much background and
information as possible. This is a very good place to learn how serious the leaf blower
problem has become in recent years.
lllihat's on this page: L~P- ~hi~ is a b~omr frae z,ne.
~E LO~ ANGE~S ORDINANCE VIOLATION REPORT
PHONE NUMBERS APPEAR ON ~E BOSOM OF ~IS
About: Our fount PAGE~ AND OF EACH NEW SE~ON PAGE.
Ab~e~e ~af BI--er Wel~me to our s~e. B~ore you navigate ~ o~er
ea~ se~ons, we suggest ~et you fi~ read About This
Site and Definitions of Terms, below,
A~u~ ~is ~ ~
~n~ ~SS~ON S~E~ENT: TO en~ur~Ge ~mpl~an~ w~h leaf blowe~ b~ns
proYidin~ f~s, opinions, and ~ss to sou~s ~n~ to ~esources.
~on~ons of~e an~ money. ~t ~s a re~r~ of ou~ ~esea~ and our expe~en~s,
~ose of o~er ~wns o~oss ~e n~on ~ have sought blowe~ b~ns. R
suppo~ for, ~ose who ~nte~p]~ b~ns. ~t may se~e as w~inG not to
mu~.
~s Angeles Resident, if your neighbom ~n~ or won't ~n~ol ~eir gardeners a~er your poli~
request, REPORT L,R. Ci~ V[O~ONS TO 80O-gg6-Z4B9 or dire~ to 2%3-473-4486.
In add~on: Los Angeles now has a ~ll-~ee non-emergency poli~ assi~an~ number, Please
place it around your house~ on ~lephones~ for use when ~ere is not a IEe-~reatening
emergency, b~ you need to speak to ~e Polio: 877-ASK-LAPD; aka 1-877-275-5273
There are many other Intemet locations dedicated to issues relating to the leaf blower. The
following are examples of this type ofhomepage:
Page 8
Citizens against the leaf blower want it banned in Walnut Creek, California.
--...------,-.,.,-,-,-- .............. :m-,
Walnut Creek Neighbors Against Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Is the peorduln,ss of)our neighborhood
disrupted by gas*powered lea~ blowers?
w~u ' {'~{:~ ~
Creek?
¢ouu~es in CzJ~orn~ have ~iready enacted ~.~
bans? ~1~
You'~ come to
H~re's wlmt you ten do to reclaim some of the t~tur~! beauty of our hom~own
The Public Discussion Forum hes new postings dzh~. Jump in~
L'WS Updites:
m~a~o
In Arizona, there is an effort to create state legislation to prevent the use of leaf blowers.
.... ........ :..L'%.L":: 1)1
"Good n~i~bos k~ ~ ~k~ to ~m~A,~s."
House of ~preseM~tives HB~ ~ 09: Leaf Blowers; ~re~ A
Spomo~: R~. Weason, ~ B~d~, ~ ~
Co~ff on ~m~; Commi~ff on He~ Ciu~ ~d COW~ ~ Psss~ ~e House
B~ ~ L~ ~b~
~ 21 ~9 w~d add a new ze~on of~ ~o~ ~e ~e of~o~ or ~el ~blow~ ~ ~a ~
w~ by o~ ~o~ to ~o~ ~, ~eek co~ fi~ ~ md d~l~ ~o~ ~ how ~ p~ ~ ~ ~o
~on or'se po~ ~ w~ as ~ood ~c. ~s req~s lc~h~e ~fion ~ pro~& ~o~ ~d ~ for ~c~a Co~.'
· B~ ~ usc. ~ ~a ~ M~o~ ~ ~s~ ~ used ~ ~ow ~ec~ ~d ~
· Pres~ee~pm~es~o~ ~emon~ folowe:
2. A~ do~ for~ ecc~d~o~
s~ ~ ~ re~ wood b~ re~ m ~ 11-~1.)
· ~ scum wo~d bc ~ J~ 1. 2002
Page 9
Leaf blower improvements:
Micro Pascals dB(A)
Echo Incorporated has taken the Icad in thc industry
and has not been sitting by idly while anti-blower
advocates complain about blower "noise". Echo has
(125 d9 @ take of D
met with them to understand the problems created by ~°
leaf blowers and have been working to reduce sound
levels to a point that is well below what is perceived o.~
as an irritation. Echo has developed and continues to
develop the most innovative leaf blowers and Shred
(65 ~9)office
'N' Vac products in the industry. The sound level has
been systematically lowered from 76 dB(A) per the
ANSI B175.2 Standard, to 65 dB(A). In 2000,
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. tested 19 leaf blowers ~
ofwhich 14 were below 70 dB(A). Nine ofthese o,~
were below 66 and of these, five were below 65. I
Sixty five dB(A) represems a 75% reduction in
sound.
Note: For eve~_ 6 dB(A) reduction in sound, the sound intensi_ty is reduced by50 % or half.
PB-230LN PB-260L PB-460LN
Echo offers many "Quiet Blowers":
Model dB(A) Model dB(A)
PB-200 67 PB-460LN 65
PB-210 65 PB-602 73
PB-230LN 65 PB-603 72
PB-260L 65 PB-650 71
PB-403 70 PB-750 72
PB-410 72
Page 10
You should be aware that Echo is the leader in the production of quiet
blowers. Even thek largest bloweL the PB-650 is fbur to five dB
quieter than the older design PB~400E
Not only has the sound ~ewsl been reduced by more than halfj, but also
the sound q[tality of leaf blowers has been knproved. On nmr[y new
designs, the high-pitched whine or siren effect has been ¥Srtually
eliminated. It's all in the design oftbe fan and fan housing.
G~dddi~es ~o eliminate the ]eaf b~ower issue:
The prilxmry' solution to solving the leaf blower noise proble~ a~er
improving leaf blower desigrL is through operator education. People
must be ~mde awm'e of the issues and become sensitive to the
bystandeFs complaint. Once trained~ the conscientkms operator
Should belp others to understand how 'to avoid generating complaints~
The trained operator can even help M the organization of training
program, s witl~fin thek own company and locally in thek community~
If there is no sound or noise related problem in your town~, that is the best time to knplement
vol'untary roles in order to avoid tbe problem ever getting st~xte& Once it reaches the point of
talking atxmt legislation to control leaf blowers~ k can be very diil~cult to reverse the trend.
The problem mast be solved at the som'ce and beibre it becomes an issue~
Gai~e~e #1.
Ab~ays be coas~derate {~f bystanders and adjoin~ag prope:~
Debris should never be blown in the direction of people. No one wants to be
peked by particles of sand and debris. It can take their breath away. It is ahnost
a certainty that there will be a complaint. People have been known to become
hostile. Some see it as a type of assault and have even called the police.
On the other hand~ most neighbors and passerbies will smile back at you when you idle down
your blower and point the nozzle awary ii:om them. They' usually- realbte that you are only
doing your job and will give you credk fbr being courteous to them~
Respect other people's property. Do not blow material at
automobiles or on neighboFs lawns and driveways. This
could start retaliatory action~ They may' blow it back with
interest.
Page 11
Watch out t~br open windows and doors. Pointing the blower noz~te at or
toward an open door wil~ not only send dus~ into someone's home, but i~
directs and increases the noise fhey must endt~e. Why call attention to
W[mt you are doing. Close the door~
Keep in mind that k is not only the neighbor and passerby that you should be considerate to~ if
you are workirtg on someone's property as a cor~tractor, you should always be considerate of
their property ai~d everyone living there. Being inconsiderate here is a sure 'way to lose your
cor~trac't,
The best practice is to be aware of who is around you at all times arid know '?,,here the debris is
being blowno Always be considerate, com~teous arid conscientious~
Guideline #2
Know and obsers, e your loca~ noise ordinances.
Sometimes, there are local ordinances in Palo Atto, Cali:~brnia
place to limit Nower use to certain hours of
the day ~md days of the week. As an . Lin~its the use of leaf blowers to 65
operator, yon should be aware of these dB(A) accord~:g to the ANSi
times and make sure you do not violate B175.2 Standar&
them. . Limits the hours of the day during
which blowers can be used.
Even if there are no designaled hours fbr * Commercial operators must be
blower use, common sense should prevail, certified as havir~g been trained to
Do not create a problem by using leaf properly operate a leaf blower.
blowers late in the da>, or very early' befbre * Strict penalties fbr violations are
people are normally up and about, imposed.
Rim blowers only at the power lleYeil or revohitions per mina~e (RPM) needed to do the
Only mn the blower at tl'~o~tle settings necessao' to do ~he job. R~ely does a large backpack
blower have to rm~ at Ball t~'o(lle in a residential area. The faster the engine runs, usual¢, the
louder k
Page 12
Guideline #4
Avoid using more than one ~lower at a time.
Two blowers will probably do the job in half the time, but
rarely is it necessary. One, exception may' be when moving
large piles of leaves during fall cleanup. This condition is
seasonal and normally will not upset anyone because they will
understand that this is not a cormr~on practice~ Even so~ one
should minimize ruuning two or more blowers at a time.
Guideline # 5
Minimize dust daring normal cleanup operatioas~
There is a logkaI~ yet incorrect conclusion tlmt leal'blowers generate vast amounts ofdust~ Of
course~ they cara but when used properly~ they contribuie very lktle to the particulate matter in
the ak. It is all iu the way one hulds the uo~le and the araount of ak generated.
To begin wkh, ensuring thai the dust clm_ld does not travel toward any uearby person or
ne~ghbork~ properly c~ rr~ze the kTitation caused by m~avoidable dust. There are tknes
when the blower simply should uot be used and ~he job should be pertbrmed a~ a dine when no
one is around or the prevailing wind is in a thvorable dkectiou~ The operaJ;or must always be
considerate of those near the work area.
To n~fi[r~e the generaion of dust, hold the nozzle above the ground and at a distance fi'om
the debris such that the akflow at the ground is only
sufficieut to move the ~terial you w~t move& In
dust}, areas and when using larger blowers~ the nozzle
must -~ held even higher above the ground and
ihrlher aw~' from the debris. Ak velocky is what
dislodges the material to be moved and ak volume is
what keeps ii suspended once h is in the ak. Practice
this by s/ar¢ing wkh the nozzle close to the ground at
first and then raising it to where k will no longer pick
up the dust. You may th~ tMt dust is reD' light and
easily lifted into the ak. In reality, k is very heavy
per unit volume. A good example is cement dust.
One cubic yard of concre'te is 1000 pounds heavier than one cubic yard of semd, yet because the
p~ticles of cement are so stmi1, a ~eafbk>wer c~ lift them if euough ak movement is applied.
A leafi a blade of grass or a paper cup, on the other hand, Nns a weight or densky hun&eds of
times lower than dust. One can ibrd the correct ai'rflow speed and volume to m~,ve only the
leal' and not the dust wkh only a little experkuentation.
The measured a~qd published velocity of any commercial leaf blower is usually the highest
value one can measure. That menus i~: is measured at the end of the uozzle. The actmtl velocity
at the gromqd eau be much less wiihom slow~g the engine. The ~les per ho~ of airflow iZatls
Page 13
off rapidly as it travels away fi.om the nozzle. It is possible to move leaves fi.om a gravel
driveway without lifting any appreciable amount of dust. Skilled blower operators direct only
enough air to move the unwanted debris, controlling the velocity, volume and position of the
nozzle to avoid kicking up any dust.
The concept of a larger blower generating more dust is incorrect. Large blowers are intended
for cleaning large areas and can be handled in such a way that very little dust is generated. It
takes practice to do this, but it must be learned to avoid this complaint.
Guideline #6
Never deliberately use a leaf blower to move dusty materials.
On occasion, the leaf blower is used to clean extremely dusty materials. A blower, any blower,
is not the proper machine for this job. It must be understood that there are occasions when the
leaf blower is simply the wrong tool.
Heavy concentrations of gravel, construction dirt, plaster dust, pulverized cement, concrete
dust and dry garden topsoil should never be moved with a leaf blower because these materials
have excessive amounts of dust particles that will become airborne. In a residential area, this
type of debris should be cleaned up with vacuums or with power brooms having water injected
to control the dust. Even using a hand broom is incorrect for this job. Sometimes only a
garden hose (water) will do the job courteously and safely.
Guideline #7
Replace your old leaf blower With a new low noise blower.
There have been many changes in the design of leaf blowers resulting in a much quieter and
less irritating product. See your local Echo dealer for the finest products available and do your
part to eliminate the complaint generated by inconsiderate use of old noisy leaf blowers.
PB-460LN
Page 14
Using a Quiet Echo Leaf Blower
In a Courteous Way
and Participating in the
"Quiet Revolution"
Will Go a Long Way Toward Solving
The Leaf Blower Problem.
Leaf Blower Sound
The leaf blower has been in the spotlight, under the microscope so to speak, and has been
singled out from most other forms of industrial equipment as being a serious sound
problem. To some, it has become unbearable and these people have understandably
decided that something must be done about this intolerable noise. Those making a living
with these products say that they would not be able to remain in the lawn care contract
business without it because it would take too long to do their final cleanup and profits
would be severely impacted. Something must be done to eliminate the irritation while
saving the leaf blower for those that have come to depend on it.
Echo Inc. has taken the lead in the industry in this area and has not been standing by idly
while the leaf blower becomes a target. We have met with many of the anti-blower
advocates to understand the problems. As a result, we have reduced sound levels on
many blowers to a point that we consider well below what is perceived as an irritation.
The sound level of Echo blowers has been systematically lowered from 76 dB(A) to 65
dB(A). Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has tested 19 of our blowers to the ANSI B175.2
Standard of which 14 are below 70 dB(A). Nine of these are below 66 and of these, five
are below 65. Sixty five dB(A), in this context, represents a 75% reduction in sound
volume.
The following are examples of low noise blowers in our product line.
PB-210 65 dB(A) Handheld
PB-230LN 65 dB(A) Handheld
PB-260L 65 dB(A) Backpack
PB460LN 65 dB(A) Backpack
PB-200 67 dB(A) Handheld
PB-403 70 dB(A) Backpack
PB-650 71 dB(A) Backpack
PB-410 72 dB(A) Backpack
PB-603 72 dB(A) Backpack
PB-602 73 dB(A) Backpack
Not only has the sound level been reduced by more than half, but also the sound quality
of the blower has been improved.
There is something to be said about the type of sound that a leaf blower generates. Older
blowers do tend to whine, which can be as difficult to ignore as a baby crying. It can
make people want to cover their ears like when they hear the sound of feedback on a
· public address system.
On many new Echo designs, the high-pitched whine has been virtually eliminated while
on others it has been reduced si~mifieantly. In order to accomplish this, blower fans and
Page 2, Leaf Blowers, Echo Inc.
fan housings have been redesigned. Other changes to improve sound quality include
quieter mufflers, sound attenuated air intake systems and the use of sound deadening
materials such as absorbent foams and non-vibrating plastics. Our best example of this is
our PB-460LN leaf blower.
The total solution to the problem involves more than just sound reducing the leaf blower,
however. It involves training the operator to be more courteous and thoughtful. A
simple example is knowing the proper time of day to run a blower. What should one do _
when in the proximity of another person? What should be done when there is excessive
dust and what does one do when dust can't be avoided? Where should debris be blown
or better yet, not blown? The bottom line is that the operator must learn how to avoid
irritating the neighbor or bystander. Something must be done to educate the operator in
the proper way to use the leaf blower.
To help in this effort, Echo has created a pamphlet which will show the proper way to
operate a leaf blower so as to avoid these irritations. It illustrates what the complaints are
and what can be done to eliminate them. It further emphasizes what could happen if
these issues are ignored.
In our manual, seven simple operator guidelines have been developed that will go a long
way to reduce the irritation caused by leaf blowers:
1. Replace your old leaf blower with a new low noise blower.
2. Always be considerate of bystanders and adjoining property.
3. Know and observe your local noise ordinances (allowable sound level and
time of day).
4. Run blowers only at the power level or revolutions per minute (RPM) needed
to do the job (in residential areas, usually part throttle is sufficient).
5. Avoid using more than one blower at a time.
6. Never deliberately use a leaf blower to move excessively dusty materials.
7. Minimize dust during normal cleanup operations.
Echo Inc. is dedicated to reducing sound levels of our leaf blowers and has taken the lead
in offering tools for the education of leaf blower operators. This commitment has been
embraced by our distributor and dealer organization and together we remain available to
help arrive at a workable solution to the leaf blower sound issue.
Larry Will, PE
Vice President, Echo Inc.
Telephone and fax: (479) 876-2932