Resident asks Ferndale to consider banning gas-powered leaf blowers after measuring 92 dB near commercial lot

During public comment, Jeremy Gilbert (187 W. Campbour) asked the Ferndale City Council to consider a ban on gas‑powered leaf blowers after years of repeated use near his residence.

Gilbert said he lives behind a commercial complex where landscapers run a gas leaf blower frequently and that he measured 92 dB from his front yard during a morning disturbance. He cited the city charter noise-control language (part 8.08.02) and the noise thresholds that define nuisance and disturbance levels and argued the commercial activity exceeds allowable levels when measured from a residential property.

He urged the council to require electric blowers or other mitigation, noting typical gas blowers operate at 70–115 dB depending on model and distance. Several other speakers later tied accessibility concerns to noise impacts for ground-floor and apartment residents.

Council did not enact a ban at this meeting; the item was raised for council consideration and for staff follow-up regarding possible ordinance, enforcement or education options.