Paradise Valley weighs future of gas-powered leaf blowers

By Allison Kotzbauer
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Paradise Valley’s Public Works Department is testing both handheld electric leaf blowers and larger backpack-style blowers as the town council prepares to discuss concerns over the noise and environmental impacts of gas-powered landscaping equipment this fall.

Public Works Director Isaac Chavira said the town contracted for several electric blower models and tested their performance against the department’s gas-powered equipment. The findings will be presented to the council during an upcoming fall session.

The testing found the electric blowers generally weighed 7 to 10 pounds more than the department’s gas models. Battery runtime ranged from 15 minutes to one hour, requiring employees to stop work to change batteries. Chavira said the shorter runtime also meant jobs took longer and could increase the potential for back injuries.

None of the electric models outperformed the gas blowers in power, Chavira said, meaning employees could spend more time working near traffic. The town would also need upgrades to its shop and potentially its vehicles to accommodate charging.

To operate four backpack blowers for about an hour and a half, the initial cost is estimated at $15,000 to $19,000 for blowers, batteries and other equipment.

Chavira said testing also found that some manufacturers’ advertised runtime and noise levels did not match the town’s experience.

“There are some (electric blowers) that are a little quieter than others, but in comparison to the gas operated, the decibels on them are pretty close,” he said. “We have to be very careful in terms of making decisions based on what manufacturers are putting out there.”

The town also encountered equipment reliability concerns. Chavira said the Fairmont Princess Resort identified a faulty battery that damaged several blower units before the issue was discovered.

“My personal opinion, I don’t think the technology is there yet, but I think it’s just a matter of time,” Chavira said.

Public Works Superintendent Chris Martinez is preparing a presentation of the department’s findings for the council, Chavira said.

Meanwhile, Council Member Karen Liepmann said she has been working with residents on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers and other small portable landscaping tools in Paradise Valley, with a phase-in period for education before enforcement.

Liepmann said she believes transitioning to electric equipment would benefit residents’ health, reduce noise and air pollution and align with the town’s General Plan.

“The operation of gasoline-powered landscape equipment generates exhaust that adversely affects air quality and public health,” she said. “Excessive noise generated by gasoline-powered landscape equipment interferes with the quiet enjoyment of our property, diminishes the quality of life within the Town, and is inconsistent with Paradise Valley’s longstanding commitment to preserving our distinctive character.”

Vice Mayor Christine Labelle said Paradise Valley generally favors limited government but that approach does not mean ignoring activities that affect residents’ health, safety or quality of life.

“This issue is long overdue for a practical, fact-based discussion,” Labelle said.

Labelle said she is looking forward to the issue coming before the council and hopes members can find a meaningful solution.

Council Member Anna Thomasson said residents raised the concern with her while she was campaigning for reelection this summer, and she is eager to learn more about possible solutions.

“We have been hearing from residents about this issue for quite a while, and I’m looking forward to our upcoming study session and learning more,” Thomasson said.

Allison Kotzbauer can be reached at akotzbauer@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines

Allison Kotzbauer
Reporter | Paradise Valley

akotzbauer@iniusa.org

Community: I live in central Phoenix and my writing  focuses on Fountain Hills education, and the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale communities. 

Education: I graduated from Arizona State University in May 2026 with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. My studies focused on writing and visual story-telling.  

Random Fact: Growing up I had over 10 pets including 6 cats, 1 dog, 2 hermits crabs, and too many fish to count! 

Hobbies: I like to spend my free time hiking, crafting, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.