The Bainbridge Island City Council discussed an ordinance at its May 27 meeting, which, if approved, would ban gas and diesel-powered leaf blowers starting in July of 2027.

Following discussion and additional amendments, the ordinance will be moved to council’s June 10 regular business meeting for consideration of adoption. The three amendments include an exemption for utility providers to use gas or diesel-powered tools during emergencies, adding language stating one of the purposes is to reduce dust and also changing the language of how leaf blower noise is defined.

“Gasoline-powered and diesel-powered leaf blowers may be used by police, fire, and public works emergency responders for the purpose of responding to emergency situations, including but not limited to, the clearing of downed trees, brush, and debris in areas needing expedient clearing for the safety of the public,” per city documents.

“I want to be sure, since this is still somewhat controversial, even though we have said we’re targeting the biggest offender across many fronts long beyond just the carbon issue,” Councilmember Kristen Hytopolous said.

BI Mayor Ashley Mathews was not in favor of the ordinance.

“Sometimes we make decisions that affect our public and business owners in ways that we don’t always think about,” she said. And so in this case, I would support a resolution. If you look at the city of Seattle’s that we were sent today from someone, it’s not an ordinance, it’s a resolution, stating that they are establishing goals to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers, and so that’s as far as I’m comfortable going.”

Regarding enforcement, the city has a tiered penalty system. A first-time violation would result in a warning. A second violation by the same person or firm would require a fine of $125. And a third violation would result in a $250 fine.

City manager Blair King said the ordinance won’t apply to other tools except leaf blowers, and the enforcement will be against property owners and not individuals or small businesses.

Councilmember Joe Deets said the ordinance was reviewed by the Race Equity Advisory Committee and the Climate Change Advisory Committee.

“There’s two years for compliance…so plenty of time to transition to one particular tool,” Deets said. “It’s the property owner who is on the hook for this. So I think we’re being very fair.”