Lawn Mowing Noise Ordinances: What You Need to Know
Before you fire up the mower at 7 AM on a Saturday, you might want to check your local rules. Most cities and counties have noise ordinances that limit when you can operate lawn equipment, and violating them can result in fines.
Common Restrictions
While rules vary by jurisdiction, most follow a similar pattern:
- Weekdays: Lawn equipment typically allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM
- Weekends & holidays: Often restricted to 8 AM or 9 AM start, ending at 8 or 9 PM
- Decibel limits: Usually 75-85 dBA at the property line
Gas-Powered Equipment Bans
A growing number of cities are restricting or banning gas-powered lawn equipment specifically. California has a statewide ban on the sale of new gas-powered lawn equipment. Cities like Washington D.C., Portland, and Palo Alto have enacted their own restrictions. These bans typically phase in over several years.
Notable City Restrictions
| City | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 8am - 6pm | 8am - 6pm |
| Montgomery County, MD | 7am - 9pm | 9am - 9pm |
| Los Angeles | 8am - 8pm | 9am - 8pm |
| Seattle | 7am - 10pm | 9am - 10pm |
| Honolulu | 7am - 6pm | 8am - 6pm |
HOA Rules
If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association, there may be additional restrictions beyond city ordinances. Some HOAs mandate specific mowing days, grass height maximums, or even approved equipment types. Always check your HOA covenants.
How We Can Help
Our tool checks local ordinance data for your area and displays a warning if you might be outside the allowed hours. It covers 20+ major US jurisdictions with static data and searches online for others. But always verify with your local government for the most current rules.