On June 19, 2018, the Fountain Hills Town Council adopted Ordinance 18-09 which prohibits nuisance parties.
Over the past several months, residents have been disturbed by parties and other events that have taken place in neighboring single family homes. The homes are typically rented out on a short-term basis which often includes large numbers of people. Due to the size and scale of the parties, the noise from the parties have prevented nearby neighbors from the quiet enjoyment of their own properties.
Based on the negative impact that nuisance parties have had on neighborhoods in Fountain Hills, the town staff modeled its ordinance after those found in Flagstaff, Tempe, and Tucson which have been successful in addressing nuisance party situations.
The highlights of Ordinance 18-09 are as follows:
- A nuisance party is defined as a gathering of one or more persons on any private property that involves disturbances such as excessive noise or traffic, obstruction of public streets by crowds or vehicles, drinking in public, the service of alcohol to minors or consumption of alcohol by minors, fighting, disturbing the peace, and littering.
- Both the owner and non-owner responsible person(s) are held responsible for violations of the ordinance.
- Civil penalties range from a warning to an owner for the first violation up to $1,000 for the third nuisance party violation.
Ordinance 18-09 applies to all private properties in Fountain Hills and will be enforced by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the Town's Code Enforcement. While the ordinance is intended to address nuisance party issues impacting neighborhoods, it is possible that residents who hold the occasional private gathering, party, barbecue, or other functions may receive a warning from a Sheriff's deputy after responding to a complaint. However, it is unlikely that residents who host the occasional party will be impacted by the new ordinance.
The ordinance was adopted on an emergency basis and takes effect immediately. To view the ordinance, please visit: http://www.fh.az.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=39