Experts Predict A Snowy Winter. How Early Is Too Early In The Day To Use A Snow Blower?

Snow blowers are incredibly handy when the snow is too deep to shovel easily, or when you're simply not up to the task of clearing sidewalks or driveways by hand. They also create a noisy conundrum if you need to clear your driveway in the morning, especially while the neighbors are still asleep. So now what? Do you just go ahead and snow blow anyway, or wait it out and call in late? The reality is, just about every city has rules about how early is too early to use noisy equipment such as a snow blower, leaf blower, or lawn mower. 

Regulations vary from town to town (and may vary from HOA to HOA), so it's worth having a look at your local ordinances for the details. Most laws cover either all relevant gas-powered equipment, or focus on leaf blowers, but you can figure the same expectations are in place for snow blowers, even if they're not explicitly. If you can't find the rules or don't have time to search, a generally safe bet — though by no means should it be considered legal advice — is to do your noisy clearing between about 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

While you're looking up regulations regarding snow blowers and anything pertaining to snow, it's worth noting that many municipalities also require residents keep their sidewalks clear when any removable snow falls. Some may even set a time frame for clearing that snow, so it's absolutely worth getting up to speed on what you're supposed to do — or not do — with all that snow (in New York it's illegal to hurl your snow into the street). And if the rules say no, there are a ton of clever hacks make snow removal easier than ever, without noisy power tools.

Noise regulations are a good place to start, as most cities have rules about when things should be quiet around the neighborhood, even if a snow blower isn't specifically mentioned. These types of rules often spell out when it's acceptable to use power equipment. For instance, Rochester, New York designates the range of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. as the time to make some noise, while Buffalo allows noisy equipment from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Buffalo's rules also allow for a little reading between the lines, as they state exceptions can be made in the interest of public safety and health (a slippery sidewalk might count). Wilmington, Delaware says no to gas-powered equipment after 8 p.m. and before 7 a.m. If there's any question, visit your city's website or call city hall for further clarification.

When debating whether a snow blower or a shovel is the best tool, the shovel might come out on top if you have to clear your driveway during local "quiet time" hours (though scraping against asphalt or concrete, combined with grunts from your effort, aren't exactly pastoral). In a pinch, shovel sidewalks and enough of a path out of the driveway to back out, then finish the job later in the day with your blower, during allowable hours. 

If you absolutely have to clear snow early and you know it may be noisy, a little snow removal etiquette keeps your neighbors happy. Communication helps: Give them a heads up before snow happens that you'll need to clear early. You can clear all the sidewalks on your side of the street if you have time, or snow blow the driveway for a neighbor who struggles with a shovel. It's the neighborly thing to do.