COSTA MESA : City OKs Ordinance on Loud Parties

Residents can now be fined if police are called to their homes more than once in a month because of loud parties.

The City Council agreed this week to charge residents up to $500 to cover police salaries and equipment when the police are called out to quell a loud party. The ordinance was introduced by Councilman Jay Humphrey in response to what he called repeated calls for police assistance in some neighborhoods.

Humphrey also noted that residents have complained about repeat parties at some homes in which “professional” parties are held. These parties are advertised on college campuses and throughout the city and charge an entrance fee, he said.

The ordinance also covers bars and nightclubs, pool halls, restaurants and the Orange County Fairgrounds.

The police are allowed discretion to avoid getting involved in neighbor disputes that may result in one neighbor making repeated, unwarranted disturbance calls against another neighbor. Also, the parents or guardians of a minor who throws a party to which the police are repeatedly called will be liable for the city fine.