Bellflower : Hours Set for Leaf Blowers

In an effort to curb noise and debris caused by mechanical leaf blowers, the City Council approved an ordinance Monday night restricting the time the blowers can be operated.

In a 3-2 vote, with councilmen Ken Cleveland and Mike Brassard dissenting, the council agreed to permit the blowers between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The ordinance also requires those operating the blowers to clean up any debris.

“Not only is the noise irritating, but they blow leaves and dirt all over the place,” said Mayor Joseph Cvetko, who introduced the ordinance.

Violators will be issued a warning and repeat violators will be reported to the district attorney’s office, said Lee Whitenberg, planning director.

Cleveland criticized the ordinance, saying it is too difficult to enforce.