Combating Pollution and other Environmental Impacts

The City of Evanston is committed to fighting and preparing for the impacts of climate change. This has led to the creation of the Climate Action Resilience Plan (CARP). This plan calls for carbon neutrality by 2050, zero waste by 2050 and 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

Included among the many goals outlined in CARP is the phasing out of using gas and propane-powered leaf blowers. In November 2021, the Evanston City Council adopted updates to the City’s leaf blower ordinance which states the use of gasoline-powered or propane-powered leaf blowers is not permitted after April 1, 2023.

As Evanston shifts to using only electric leaf blowers, the City is asking residents to consider the following as it pertains to the maintenance of their yards:

• Please be understanding that your landscaper may increase prices to account for the additional costs of labor and equipment.
• Consider purchasing electric leaf blowers and equipment for your personal use. As technology for electric leaf blowers continues to grow and advance, there are powerful and reasonably priced units on the market.
• Consider reevaluating your aesthetic expectations and maintenance of your yard.
• Consider raking and sweeping leaves, grass clippings, and other debris onto turf and mulching which might be healthy for your yard.
• Please educate your neighbors, including your landscapers, about the gas/propane leaf blower ban, restrictions, and regulations.
• If raking or sweeping is not effective on certain surfaces, consider using an electric leaf blower for this activity.

To Report a Leaf Blower Violation

• During normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Call 3-1-1 or 847-448-4311
  • Send a text to 847-448-4311
  • Chat with 311 online live
• Outside of normal business hours
  • Call the Evanston Police Department non-emergency line, 847-866-5000
• Reporting a violation no longer requires a video and/or photo. However, submission of a video and/or photo will aid to strengthen enforcement. A signed witness statement is required to submit a leaf blower violation. 
• Please do not be confrontational with a landscaper violating the ordinance. 

If you have any questions or inquiries, please email health@cityofevanston.org

 Leaf Blower Regulations

•  The use of gasoline-powered or propane-powered leaf blowers is prohibited

• The use of an electric leaf blower is only permitted during the following hours:
  • Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• An increasing fine structure consisting of the following
  • First Offense Written Warning
  • Second Offense $100.00 fine
  • Third Offense $150.00 fine
  • Fourth Offense $200.00 fine
  • Fifth or more offense $250.00 fine

Landscapers Registered with Evanston

Para las personas de habla hispana que deseen presentar una solicitud para un contratista de paisajismo, llame al 847-448-8207 para obtener ayuda.

** If you are a landscaper and interested in performing work within Evanston City limits you will need to submit a contractor registration