To the Editor:

I am writing to let the community know about some important upcoming dates. In October 2021, Princeton Council adopted a Sustainable Landscaping Ordinance, Ordinance #2021-32, which sets forth regulations designed to protect the Princeton community, landscaping workers, and the environment from the noise and pollutants generated by two-stroke gas engines such as those used in gas leaf blowers. A copy and summary of the Ordinance and relevant documents can be found at princetonnj.gov/1240/Landscape-Contractor-Regulations.

All hired landscapers must register with the municipality of Princeton. The purpose of landscaper registration is to ensure that landscapers are aware of their obligations (for example, to have workers’ compensation insurance) under Princeton’s ordinances and applicable state and federal laws. Any landscapers and landscaping companies can find and file these applications in English and Spanish online at the above website or at the Municipal Building at 400 Witherspoon Street. Additionally, property owners should ensure that their hired landscaper is registered with the Municipality.

We would like to remind Princeton property owners and landscaping companies that gas-powered leaf blowers are no longer permitted in Princeton during the certain time periods. In particular, gas-powered leaf blowers are not permitted from May 16, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Currently and through May 15, 2022, gas-powered leaf blowers are allowed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Gas-powered lawn mowers are allowed year-round, but only between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays and certain holidays. Other noise-creating gas-powered equipment are permitted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. They are not permitted on certain holidays.

Electric-powered leaf blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, string trimmers and pole trimmers are permitted year-round from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays and certain holidays.

If there is an emergency or natural disaster, these rules are modified under the ordinance. A few leaves or blades of grass or a dusting of an inch or two of snow does not constitute a “bona fide emergency” under the terms of the ordinance.

Thank you for your consideration, and we are excited to take this step towards turning Princeton into a municipality that is safe for workers, residents, and the environment.

Karen Zemble, Esq.
Commissioner, Princeton Environmental Commission