City May Impose Fines for Loud Parties

Hosts of loud parties could be hit with fines of up to $500 if police are called to restore quiet under an ordinance proposed by a city councilman.

The ordinance, which the council on Monday agreed to consider at its Oct. 7 meeting, would fine residents whose homes are visited by police more than once in a 30-day period. The proposal by Councilman Jay Humphrey is similar to a Newport Beach law that fines homeowners if police are called to quell a loud party.

The fine, called a police service fee, is intended to cover officers’ salary during the time needed to calm the disturbance, medical treatment for any injuries they may sustain and damage to police equipment. The proposed ordinance caps fines at $500, but also allows the city to seek damages beyond that amount.

“My goal is to say that if the police are called numerous times, that we should be able to do something about that, namely recoup the costs,” Humphrey said.

If the council approves the ordinance, police will issue written warnings on the first response to a party determined to be a “threat to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare.” A second call could result in an arrest or citation.

The ordinance is especially targeted at “professional” party hosts who charge admission and hold frequent parties.

Mayor Mary Hornbuckle asked City Atty. Thomas Kathe to explore whether the ordinance could also be used to fine owners of bars that disrupt neighborhoods.

“I think we should look into applying this to bars,” she said. “There are several that we know of that have caused us problems,” she said.