The West District councilor is calling for a ban on the use of loud leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and lawn mowers before 10 a.m. on Sundays. A number of residents have complained to him about eager landscapers pulling the lawn mower cord too early on the Lord's day.

"People have a right to rest," Andrew said.

But Deacon Andrew Goldy of St. Monica's Parish said mowing the lawn on Sunday morning breaks no rules of the Catholic Church.

"We complain about sports activities ... on Sunday. We complain about that taking people away from family and church - nothing about mowing the yard," Goldy said. "That you can do at home with your family. What's wrong with that?"

Some of Andrew's fellow councilors are asking the same question. Councilor Deborah Quinn said Andrew's regulation is an example of government overstepping its authority. She asked Andrew if requiring bicycle helmets in cars was the next step.

"This is getting insane," she said.

Andrew said he is surprised some councilors are against it.

"I thought it was just not a bad thing to do," Andrew said.

It is already illegal to use amplified equipment such as public announcement systems on Sunday mornings before 10 a.m. and heavy equipment such as bulldozers before 9 a.m.

Andrew's resolution would specifically ban lawn mowers, leaf blowers and hedge trimmers - any yard maintenance that requires loud machinery.

The council voted Monday night 4-3 in favor of the resolution, but it will need another vote of the full council in a month before becoming law. Councilors Quinn, Kathleen Corey Rahme and Stephen Zanni voted against the resolution.

Rahme said her husband will sometimes mow their lawn on Sundays, but that is not the reason she is opposed.

"Our lives are over legislated," she said. "We don't have to legislate that. It's courtesy."

Councilor Jack Cronin generally supports the rule. He said that his lawn is mowed on Monday.

"Because that's when the guy comes and mows the lawn," Cronin said.