Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director of Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 ("Business Licensing") of the Oak Park Village Code by Adding a New Article 41 ("Lawn Maintenance/Landscaping") and Amending Chapter 7 ("Buildings"), Article 0 ("Contractor Registration"), Section 7-0-1 ("Contractor Registration") and Chapter 17 ("Offenses"), Article 1 ("Identification Of Specific Offenses"), Section 17-1-30 ("Noise") of the Oak Park Village Code
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Overview
Overview
Pursuant to the Village Board's direction at its November 7, 2022 meeting regarding a presentation of a leaf blower policy analysis, staff prepared an Ordinance establishing a Lawn Maintenance/Landscaping business license, a related contractor registration requirement, and equipment restrictions prohibiting gasoline or propane powered leaf blowers after June 1, 2025.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Background
During the Board of Trustees meeting on 6/28/21 (ID 21-82 "Leaf Blower Ban - Discussion" ), the Trustees discussed a review of the current leaf blower ordinance and research on other local approaches. The Board of Trustees referred the issue to the Environment and Energy Commission (EEC). The EEC deliberated the question and voted to recommend:
? Ban on all (gas or electric) leaf blowers before 8 a.m., effective upon ordinance adoption.
? Total phaseout within one year for all gas-powered lawn care devices except lawn mowers.
? Ban gas lawnmowers when electric alternatives are readily available.
? Enforcement through the Village code enforcement staff, not through the Police Department.
? Dedicated staff email for resident complaints.
? Provide education for contractors and residents.
? Look to other municipal program examples for how to support transition for small businesses.
During the Board meeting on 6/13/22 (ID 22-170 "Presentation and Discussion of the Enviro...
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