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lower cost per unit but may involve additional upfront expenses, especially for commercial landscapers requiring extra batteries for all-day operation. Professional- grade battery-powered leaf blowers used by commercial landscapers can be considerably more costly (approximately $1,600-2,500 plus additional batteries), whereas residential-grade leaf blowers are more affordable (about $100-300). Larger companies may need electrical upgrades to charge multiple batteries simultaneously. Despite higher upfront costs, electric equipment generally has lower operational expenses due to reduced maintenance and reliance on electricity instead of gasoline and oil. A study by the Santa Cruz Coalition for a Healthy and Safe Environment suggests a positive return on investment (ROI) for switching to electric leaf blowers in around 9-11 months. However, given the desire to address CAP 2.0 goals, benefits in terms of pollution and reduced noise, and transition by the State to non-SORE equipment, staff continues to support the recommended restriction on gas-powered leaf blowers as proposed in the ordinance. DISCUSSION The proposed ordinance (Exhibit A to Attachment 1) would add a new chapter (Chapter 9.06 Leaf Blower Restrictions) to the PMC, to include a ban on the use of gasoline- powered leaf blowers in Pleasanton. Such regulations would apply uniformly to individual residential and commercial users, commercial businesses such as landscape contractors, and to the City organization. Time Restrictions Staff considered potential imposition of time restrictions on the use of leaf-blowers and similar equipment, but is not recommending such provisions be adopted at this time. As discussed below, enforcement simply for restrictions on equipment type, will be challenging for the City's limited code enforcement staff. Time restrictions would add another enforcement responsibility that would be difficult to sustain with current staffing. Other reasons weighing against time restrictions are limitations on scheduling landscape/yard work on private property, and impacts to the City's own operations (including more limited windows in which to perform necessary maintenance work). As also discussed above, electric leaf-blowers tend to be less noisy than their gas counterparts, with a beneficial impact on overall levels of nuisance and noise. Financial Incentives As described above, there are costs associated with transitioning to ZEE, particularly for businesses that may need to acquire a larger amount of new equipment. While some local agencies have created programs to help subsidize the costs of replacing gas- powered equipment, staff is not recommending doing so at this time. Given other financial incentives available, it may not be necessary to create such a program. Currently, creating a subsidy program (e.g., rebate, grants, etc.) would present challenges in how the program would be funded and for staff capacity to operate and manage the initiative. However, there are existing financial incentives made available by CARB and regional agencies that may help to provide relief for businesses and organizations required to transition from gas to electric equipment. CARB operates an extensive incentive program for SORE equipment including leaf blowers and their batteries. This funding is Page 4 of 7