The Town of North Hempstead has announced new landscaping regulations that prohibit commercial landscapers from using gas-powered leaf blowers from June 15 to Sept. 15.
The new regulations, which were passed at the Jan. 29 board meeting, are aimed at reducing noise and air pollution caused by the gas-powered blowers.
Under the updated regulations, commercial landscaping is permitted from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. No commercial landscaping is permitted on Sundays and holidays, but the restrictions may be suspended during emergencies.
Town officials said the restrictions will not apply to golf courses and cemeteries unless the equipment is operated within 100 feet of a lot containing a residential building.
The town’s regulations come almost two decades after the Village of Great Neck implemented the same restrictions on commercial landscaping. According to the village code, commercial landscapers are prohibited from operating any equipment which “emits excessive fumes” or emits noise which “to a reasonable person of normal sensitivities would be deemed unusually loud.”
The village also prohibits any commercial landscaping aside from the permitted times of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and public holidays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
In 2017, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth established a Landscaper Advisory Committee to craft new regulations and advise town officials on landscaping matters.
According to a news release sent out by the town, the committee includes “informed [and] passionate residents, individuals who strongly advocate for environmental causes, landscaping company owners, and the president of the Nassau Suffolk Landscape Grounds Association.”
Other regulations that were announced by the town include properly removing leaves and clippings from a site with a secured tarp, a prohibition on dumping oil or gas products, and a prohibition on burning waste, leaves or cuttings.
Officials announced that false statements on applications or failure of any commercial landscaper to comply with the regulations or statutes can result in suspension or revocation of a license. There will also be a one-year waiting period to reapply for a license following revocation or denial of a license.
Penalties for offenders can include fines, jail time or both, officials said.
Efforts to reach town officials for further comment on the matter were unavailing.
