Public Comment
Taking Action Against Leafblowers in Berkeley
If your neighborhood is inundated with gas-powered leafblowers, don’t just sit there! Go outside, walk down the street and write down the license plate of the maintenance crew’s vehicle, the address where they’re using the gas-powered leafblower, and the date and time of the violation. If the maintenance vehicle has a company name, write that down, too, including any address or phone number.
Send a letter documenting the violation to the city of Berkeley Environmental Health Department, a copy to the home or business owner where the violation is taking place, and a copy (or make a call) to the maintenance company if there is one painted on the truck or van.
This is the effective approach. Gardeners and maintenance workers generally know about Berkeley’s leafblower law, but if nobody reports them they often go ahead and use them. But their employers, who may not be home at the time of use, rarely wish to employ people who violate the law, annoy the neighborhood and pollute the air.
