Commercial house parties would be prohibited from residential neighborhoods in Baltimore County under a newly proposed bill.
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier on Tuesday announced the legislative proposal to prevent large, for-profit events from disturbing residential communities, which leaders said have become a growing concern for the county.
“We want people to enjoy their homes and have parties with their family and friends,” Klausmeier said in a statement. “What we’re stopping are commercial parties where homes are being advertised as venues, tickets are sold, and large crowds cause disruptions in communities. We are protecting the peace and enjoyment of our neighborhoods.”
Residents will still be allowed to throw private celebrations, family gatherings, and other social events. However, the legislation would forbid events taking place at residential properties if they are advertised to the general public and charge admission or fees for food, drinks or entertainment. These include events held at residential pools, yards, or other areas of residential properties.
Baltimore County officials said hundreds of people flocked to pool parties held multiple times each week at a residential property, following a party flyer advertising the paid-admission events.
Those events required a large public safety response and neighbors reported significant disturbances, according to county officials.
“Commercial house parties held on private property jeopardize the safety of our residents, those in attendance, and the officers called to respond to them,” Police Chief Robert McCullough said in a statement. “This legislation provides the police department with additional enforcement that more effectively addresses these parties and, equally important, establishes clear consequences for those who organize the events.”
The proposed legislation, which will be introduced to the Baltimore County Council at the request of the county executive, would prohibit people from promoting, organizing or hosting commercial house parties on a residential property. The Baltimore County Police Department would enforce the prohibition.
Violators would incur misdemeanor penalties of up to $2,500 for a first violation and up to $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation within 24 months. A citation could be issued without a prior notice of violation.
Private gatherings that do not charge fees would be excluded from the prohibition. So would nonprofit, religious and political fundraisers, permitted events, and other activities authorized by Baltimore County zoning regulations.
If the county council passes the legislation, it would take effect immediately upon enactment.
