The Healthier, Cleaner, Quieter Communities Act went into effect on July 1, 2024, and prohibits the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment by City departments and their contractors. This page provides an overview of city departments’ compliance with the ordinance, including equipment usage, temporary waivers, and contracting guidance.
HCQCA Compliance for City departments: Equipment use
Banned equipment
Small off-road engines (SOREs) are banned from use. SOREs produce 25 horsepower or less and include lawn and garden equipment, pressure washers, and generators.
The Ordinance does not apply to construction and farm equipment like jackhammers, chainsaws 45 cc or above, and brush cutters 40 cc and above.
Replacement technology
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires all new SORE lawn and garden equipment be zero-emission.
CARB has online resources for zero-emission equipment, including:
- Chainsaws
- Leaf blowers
- Line and hedge trimmers
- Mowers
Temporary waiver requests
Temporary waivers can be requested if replacement technology, including battery-powered and electric equipment, does not exist or is cost prohibitive.
Temporary waivers expire on March 31 of the following calendar year. For example, if a waiver is granted in calendar year 2025, it will expire on March 31, 2026.
Waivers can be renewed if replacement technology remains unavailable.
Please contact [email protected]@sfgov.org if your department is seeking a temporary waiver.
HCQCA compliance for City departments: Contracted services
The HCQCA only applies to contracts that begin on or after July 1, 2024. It does not apply to contracts prior to July 1, 2024.
Contracts must prohibit the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment, unless a waiver is granted.
Complete this form to request a waiver for the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment in a contract.
Waivers granted for contracted services will remain valid for the duration of the contract.
Resources
California Air Resources Board resources:
