Landscape Maintenance Regulations

In October 2021, Princeton Council adopted Ordinance 2021-32 (PDF), which included amendments to the existing landscaper registration requirements beginning on page 3 of Ordinance 2021-32 (PDF) and to the existing noise ordinance beginning on page 8 of Ordinance 2021-32 (PDF).  Princeton Council seeks to reduce the dangers of gas-powered landscape equipment – particularly leaf blowers - to the community by restricting the seasons, days, and times of use.  

Violations should be reported online through our portal, SeeClickFix.

Landscape contractors will be required to register and provide a Certificate of Insurance showing that said applicant has purchased and maintains workers' compensation insurance from an insurance company licensed in the State of New Jersey as may be required by law. 

• Landscaper Registration Application - English (Online)
  • Example of Certificate of Worker's Compensation Insurance (PDF)
• 2022 Solicitud de Registro  para Contratistas de Servicios de Jardinería
  • Ejemplo de Certificado de Seguro de Compensación al Trabajador (PDF)
• Click here for the current list of registered landscapers.  This file will be updated monthly.  

Printable Table of Allowable Days and Hours of Use for Landscaping Equipment

Gas Powered Leaf Blower Regulations

• Use is fully prohibited from December 16 to March 14 and May 16 to September 30
• Use is allowed March 15 to May 15 and October 1 to December 15 during the following specified times:
  • 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday - Fridays
  • 8:00am - 5:00 pm Saturdays
  • Use on Sundays and Thanksgiving is prohibited
• Emergency use after a storm or natural disaster is permitted

Electric Leaf Blower Regulations

• Use is allowed:
  • 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday – Fridays
  • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturdays
  • 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (Fourth of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
• Emergency use after a storm or natural disaster is permitted

Lawn Mower Regulations

• Use is allowed:
  • 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday – Fridays
  • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturdays
  • 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (Fourth of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

Electric / Battery-Powered Chainsaws, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, and Pole Trimmers Regulations

• Use is allowed:
  • 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday – Fridays
  • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturdays
  • 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (Fourth of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
• Emergency use after a storm or natural disaster is permitted

Other Noise-Creating Gas-Powered Equipment, Blowers, Power Fans or Internal Combustion Engines Including Chain Saws, Snow Blowers, and Portable Generators Regulations

• Use is allowed:
  • 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday – Fridays
  • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturdays
• Emergency use during power outage, snowstorm, or other natural disaster is permitted

For more information on sustainable landscaping methods, please explore Sustainable Princeton’s Yard webpage.