Bylaw on the Use of Landscape Maintenance Equipment

Article 10 of Special Town Meeting 2021-1 (PDF), "Reducing Noise From Landscape Maintenance Equipment," was passed by Town Meeting on November 18, 2021. It was affirmed by Lexington residents in a referendum vote on March 7, 2022 (PDF).

After the bylaw goes through the Town Meeting process, it then goes to the state Attorney General (AG) for review and approval. The bylaw has been approved by the state AG and is in-effect as of June 14, 2022.  

This Article adds the following provisions to the Town's existing Noise Bylaw:

  1. Sets new allowed hours for the use of landscape maintenance equipment

    • Residents 
      • Weekdays, 7 am to 8 pm
      • Weekends and legal holidays, 9 am to 5 pm
    • Landscapers
      • Weekdays, 7 am to 6 pm
      • Saturday 9 am to 5 pm

  2. Man Using a LeafblowerSeasonal restrictions are imposed on gas-powered leaf blowers

    • Gas-powered leaf blower use by any user is limited to the following designated fall and spring cleanup periods:
      • Spring: March 15 to May 31
      • Fall: September 15 to December 30

  3. The use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be phased out

    • Effective March 15, 2025, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers by commercial landscapers will not be allowed. An exemption allows the continued use of wheeled leaf blowers powered by four-stroke engines on lots larger than 1 acre.
    • Residents will be allowed to use gas-powered leaf blowers on their own property until March 15, 2026.

  4. Responsibility, penalties, and enforcement

    • Both the operator and the homeowner may be fined up to $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second violation, and $200 for each subsequent violation. These penalties are consistent with other town bylaws.
    • The Police Department is the enforcement authority for this bylaw. To submit a complaint, please call the non-emergency phone line at 781-862-1212. It is best if the call is made while the violation is taking place, rather than waiting, so there is an opportunity for Police to speak with those in violation.
    • Local commercial landscape companies have been notified of these changes. We advise residents use the information above to contact the Police Department, and not to approach commercial landscapers who may be in violation.