It seems like it's hard to get a break sometimes from noise in Alexandria, but there may be some relief on the horizon.
Local police may now pull over cars for being excessively loud, Rep. Don Beyer helped launch a helicopter noise complaint system — and now a group of residents are going after leaf blowers.
A petition from a group of residents is asking the Alexandria City Council to put more restrictions around gas-powered leaf blowers, which are so loud that they require ear protection for the people using them.
"In Alexandria, these machines are used throughout the spring, summer and fall, primarily for moving yard debris. Homes in Alexandria frequently have numerous neighbors within 50 feet. One home may therefore be subject to hours of excessive leaf blower noise from multiple neighboring properties in a single day. This significantly reduces quality of life in the City and impedes learning and productivity. In addition, noise pollution is a rising public health problem, harming hearing, the cardiovascular system, child development and mental health," the petition states.
In addition, some types of wildlife depend on leaf debris for their homes and food, including fireflies.
The Alexandria petition is part of a growing movement. Every year, more localities are banning gas-powered leaf blowers due to noise and environmental harm. Washington, DC bans them with fines of up to $500 per offense. Fairfax County is phasing them out in county operations, though private landscaping companies can still use them. California is banning the sale of the machines starting in 2024.
Last year, Quiet Clean NOVA set up a petition encouraging Virginia elected officials to take up the matter. Del. Kaye Kory introduced legislation to allow any locality to regulate the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, but H.B. 1337 died in committee.
In Alexandria, the noise ordinance allows leaf blowers and other landscaping equipment of all types to be used Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. The city's noise ordinance page encourages residents to be respectful, purchase electric equipment (which is quieter), but there is no ban on gas-powered blowers at this time.
