Noisy Assembly

Why is addressing noisy assembly important?

• Youth often obtain alcohol at parties held in private residences. Police cannot enter private residences without legal cause, and therefore are often unable to obtain evidence of underage drinking.
• Parties or other gatherings involving youth are often accompanied by loud noises and disruptive behavior.
• Some communities have used noisy assembly ordinances as an aid to control underage drinking parties.

SUMMARY: NOISY ASSEMBLY ORDINANCE
The proposed ordinance prohibits noisy assemblies, such as parties, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Under this ordinance, landlords may also be held responsible for noisy parties that take place on their properties.

This ordinance is based on Minneapolis, MN Ordinance §385.110.

Proposed Ordinance

NOISY ASSEMBLY

Section 1. Definition.
The term "noisy assembly" shall mean a gathering of more than one person in a residential area or building between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that produces noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet or repose of a person or persons of ordinary sensibility.

Section 2. Prohibition.

1. No person shall participate in, visit, or remain at a gathering knowing or having reason to know that the gathering is a noisy assembly, except persons who have come to the gathering for the sole purpose of abating the disturbance.
2. No person shall knowingly permit real estate under such person's care or control to be used for a noisy assembly.

Section 3. Penalties.
The penalties for violation of this section shall be as follows:

1. For the first violation, a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50).
2. For subsequent violations a fine not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not exceeding seven hundred dollars ($700).

This ordinance shall take effect immediately.