Dayton, OH Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- First offense
- Minor misdemeanor
- 3rd+ offense (1 yr)
- 3rd-degree misdemeanor
- Ignoring disperse order
- 4th-degree misdemeanor
- Liable party
- Host/owner/occupant with control
Summary
Dayton holds hosts liable for parties that turn into disorderly, loud, or unlawful gatherings, and police can order them to disperse.
Nuisance party. A social gathering or party which is conducted on premises within the city and which, by reason of the conduct of the persons in attendance, results in...disorderly conduct;...unlawfully loud noise; or any other conduct or condition that threatens injury, inconvenience, or alarm to persons or damage to property...Any person who...sponsors, conducts, hosts, invites, or permits a social gathering or party on said premises which is or becomes a nuisance party...is deemed to be in violation of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Section 137.23 defines a "nuisance party" as any gathering on city premises that results in conditions like disorderly conduct, illegal open containers, underage drinking, or "unlawfully loud noise." Any owner, tenant, or person with possessory control who sponsors, hosts, or permits a gathering that becomes a nuisance party is in violation, with escalating penalties: minor misdemeanor for a first offense, rising to a third-degree misdemeanor for a third offense within a year. Police may order the gathering to disperse, and refusing that order is a separate fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Hosting or allowing a party that produces disorderly conduct, loud noise, or underage drinking; failing to disperse on police order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for a party I host in Dayton?
What happens if police tell the party to end?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dayton
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