Ann Arbor, MI Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Liable party
- owner, lessee, or occupant
- Applies when
- responsible individual can't be identified
- Underlying offense
- unreasonably loud noise, § 9:362
- First-offense fine
- $50 to $500 plus costs
- Governing section
- City Code § 9:369
Summary
When Ann Arbor police can't identify who's responsible for a noisy gathering, the property's owner, lessee, or occupant is deemed liable for the noise violation under the city's ordinance.
If the person responsible for an activity which violates this article cannot be determined, the owner, lessee or occupant of the property on which the activity is located shall be deemed responsible for the violation. A person found responsible under this section shall be guilty of a civil infraction punishable by a fine of $50.00 to $500.00 plus costs. For a second offense within a 2-year period, the fine shall be $100.00 to $500.00 plus costs. For third and subsequent offenses within a 2-year period, the fine shall be $200.00 to $500.00 plus costs.
(Ord. No. 56-88, § 1, 12-5-88; Ord. No. 61-91, § 1, 10-21-91)
9:370. - Penalty. Except as provided in section 9:369, an activity which violates this article shall be punishable by a fine of $50.00 to $500.00 plus costs. For a second offense within a 2-year period, the fine shall be $100.00 to $500.00 plus costs. For third and subsequent offenses within a 2-year period, the penalty shall be $200.00 to $500.00 plus costs and/or, in the discretion of the court, up to 240 hours community service.
(Ord. No. 56-88, § 2, 12-5-88; Ord. No. 61-91, § 2, 10-21-91)
9:371—9:374. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 9:369 makes the owner, lessee, or occupant of a property responsible for a noise violation, such as an unruly party, whenever the specific person responsible can't be identified. The underlying offense is § 9:362's general ban on unreasonably loud, disturbing noise that annoys or disturbs others' peace, plus the § 9:363 curfew on loud radios, music, and amplified sound audible beyond the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. A person found liable under § 9:369 is guilty of a civil infraction. This lets Ann Arbor police cite whoever controls the residence, the host, even without identifying which guest made the noise.
Violations & Fines
A civil infraction under § 9:369 carries $50-$500 for a first offense, $100-$500 for a second within two years, and $200-$500 plus up to 240 hours community service for a third or later offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Ann Arbor host be cited for a loud party even if they didn't make the noise?
What noise triggers the party citation in the first place?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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