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. Seasonal 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

   • 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.
   • The Police Department is committed to an education-first approach to enforce these regulations but has the authority to fine repeat offenders if necessary. All complaints will be responded to in a non-emergency fashion, with no lights and no sirens. 
   • The property owner will likely be the recipient of the fine(s), but any person who violates the bylaw or who is the owner of property where a violation occurs can be fined.
   • Violators may be fined up to $50 for the first violation, up to $100 for the second violation, and up to $200 for the third and each subsequent 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. 

Questions?

Review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.