Party Time: Things to Know Before It Blows

So you’ve finally got your own place and you want to throw a party.

Yeah, you were on your own in the dorm, but now—*Angelic Singing*—you have a place to party and do whatever you want completely uncensored! Right? Well…kind of. Your city, your apartment complex and even the federal government have a say in how your party goes. Here’s a list of specific things to find out BEFORE you throw a party so you don’t have the Trusted Blue knocking on your door mid-party.

1. Cities often have noise ordinances, but how they measure a nuisance noise varies. A few of the methods used are decibel levels, a “quiet zone” of several hours a night or the audibility of noises pass a certain distance.

2. Most apartment complexes have their own noise ordinances and occupation limits—and they list those in the contract you signed before you moved in. If the apartment complex catches you violating either, it could be grounds for kicking you out.

3. This one’s pretty much a no-brainer: it is against the law to consume alcohol if you’re under 21 or to provide alcohol to those who are. Here’s a site that gives more detailed state-by-state alcohol laws.

4. Although you are not required to, letting your neighbors know about a party before it happens usually works in your favor. If you’ve considered their needs in planning your party (making sure NOT to plan it on a night before their test), they might be more lax on dealing with the noise another night.

Knowing and abiding by the limitations around you will help ensure that your party proceeds uninterrupted. Do a little research and find out what your apartment complex and city expects of you. Now that you’ve got your own place, you’ve got responsibilities along with it (UC Davis has a helpful page about host responsibilities). Know the laws, follow them and have the party you’ve been dreaming about for years!
Written by: Laura R. Aiuto