Amherst, NY Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Adopted June 5, 2017 by Local Law 13-2017, Chapter 167 targets gatherings on private property, defined in § 167-3 as two or more people where loud or unruly conduct occurs, including excessive noise, obstructed streets, public drunkenness, underage drinking, fights, vandalism or litter. Section 167-4 makes it a violation for any 'responsible person or party' to conduct, aid, allow, permit or condone such a gathering. Fines escalate on a rolling twelve-month lookback: $250 for a first violation, with mandatory completion of a certified substance-abuse education program within 90 days; $500 for a second violation at the same address or by the same person; and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation.

Chapter 138 (Noise) penalties can be stacked on top under § 167-4E. Beyond fines, § 167-5 lets Amherst Police, fire or other emergency responders bill the responsible person or party for response costs after giving one warning; if a further response occurs within 12 months of that warning, the Town can recover its costs, and under § 167-6 the Town Comptroller must be paid within 30 days or the debt becomes a lien on the property, collected like a tax assessment. Anyone charged is entitled to a summary hearing in Amherst Town Court, where hearsay is admissible and a finding requires only a preponderance of the evidence.