Common Council passes city-wide nuisance party ordinance

Common Council passes city-wide nuisance party ordinanceNovember 07, 2005

On Nov. 7, the City of Syracuse Common Council unanimously passed the “Nuisance Party Ordinance,” stating that no responsible person shall sponsor, conduct, host, invite or permit a nuisance party. The ordinance will take effect city-wide immediately upon the mayor’s signature, which is expected within 10 days.

The ordinance defines a nuisance party as a party in which any of the following behaviors are observed: disorderly conduct; unlawful possession of an open container; outdoor urination or defecation in a public place; unlawful sale, furnishing, dispensing or consumption of an alcoholic beverage; sale or furnishing of an alcoholic beverage to an underage person; possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage by an underage person; unlawful possession, sale or use of a controlled substance; unlawful deposit of litter or refuse; unlawful pedestrian or vehicular traffic; standing or parking of vehicles that obstructs the free flow of traffic on public streets and sidewalks, or that impedes the ability to render emergency service; or unlawfully loud noise. The ordinance defines “responsible person” as the property owners, occupants or tenants of the premises of the nuisance party.

Upon observation of a nuisance party, the Syracuse Police Department may approach the premises and disband the party, in which case all non-residents must leave the premises. Anyone violating the ordinance in the City of Syracuse may be fined up to $500, and/or imprisoned for a maximum of 15 days.

For more information, contact Syracuse University’s Office of Government and Community Relations at (315) 443-3919.