06 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND In 1988, Ordinances 1384 and 1356 were adopted and codified into Pleasanton Municipal Code (PMC) Section 9.04.045 which allowed the use of leaf blowers to begin earlier, end later, and operate at a higher decibel level than what is generally allowed within both the residential and commercial zoned districts. This earlier start time for leaf blowers has resulted in numerous residential noise complaints. PMC Section 9.04.045 is currently out of date (for example, the leaf blower models listed are no longer manufactured). Modern leaf blowers now operate at lower decibel levels and are quieter than in 1988, according to the California Landscape Contractors Association and other sources. Each zoning district generally has set noise limits based on decibel level maximums depending on the day of the week and time of day. Below is a table showing current leaf blower time and noise limits, and compares that to general noise standards in each zoning district. Max. Noise Level Hours/Days Hours/Days Code Sections LEAF BLOWERS 73 dBA at 50' 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 9.04.045 Leaf Mon. to Fri. Sat., Sun., Holidays Blowers RESIDENTIAL 60 dBA (any point 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. 9.04.030 Noise outside property Limits - Residential Mon. to Sat. Sun. and Holidays plane) property 70 dBA at 25' 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9.04.070 Daytime Mon. to Sat. Sun. and Holidays exceptions COMMERCIAL 70 dBA (any point 9.04.040 Noise outside the N/A N/A Limits - Commercial property plane) property INDUSTRIAL 75 dBA (any point 9.04.050 Noise outside the N/A N/A Limits - Industrial property plane) property COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL — ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL (WITHIN 300') 60 dBA (at 9.04.035 (A) - Noise property plane 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Limits - Commercial between the two every day* N/A or industrial use districts) adjacent to residential zone *From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Decibel level defaults to Commercial (70 dBA) or Industrial (75 dBA) noise limits (see above) Page 2 of 3