Blown Away: Belmont To Host Forum On Proposed Leaf Blower By-Law

BELMONT, MA — Belmont officials are gathering the community for a public forum to discuss a proposed bylaw that would limit the use of gas and oil-powered leaf blowers in town.

The by-law is meant to be a protection to the health, welfare and environment as well as reduce carbon emission and noise. Under the by-law, leaf blowers would only be allowed from March 1st and May 31st and between September 1st and December 31st in each year. Electric leaf blowers would be allowed year-round, according to the by-law.

Special hours are also set during the acceptable time for leaf-blowing: 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays

The first violation of the by-law is a written warning and a second violation after is $100. Each succeeding violation is $200, per violation, without limit.

A public forum will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22 on Zoom.