Fargo, ND Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.
- Violation class
- Infraction, up to $1,000 fine
- Owner/tenant duty
- Must cooperate to stop disturbance
- Noise evidence threshold
- Audible 50 feet from building
Summary
Fargo bans loud parties in residential areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and requires the host or property owner to help police stop the noise once warned.
No person shall participate in any party or gathering consisting of two or more people when such party or gathering occurs in residentially zoned or used areas or buildings between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (subject to the exception set forth hereinafter) and when said party or gathering gives rise to unreasonable noise likely to cause significant discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person of normal sensitivities present in the area, in consideration of the time of day and the residential character of said area or building. The 10:00 p.m. closing time may be extended by special permit secured from the board of city commissioners. Violation of this section shall be an infraction.
Source: 2508 (1989), 2653 (1993), 3029 (1999), 4393 (2004).
10-0702. - Order to disperse—Refusal prohibited. When a police officer determines that a party or other gathering of people is creating such unreasonable noise, disturbing the peace, or is disturbing the quiet or repose of another person, the officer may order all persons present, other than the owner or tenant of the premises where the disturbance is occurring, to disperse immediately. No person shall refuse to leave the premises after being ordered by a police officer to do so.
Source: 2508 (1989), 2653 (1993).
10-0703. - Tenant or owner—Cooperation required.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 10-0701 makes it an infraction to take part in a party or gathering of two or more people in a residential area that creates unreasonable noise between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Police can order guests to disperse under § 10-0702, and the owner or tenant in charge must cooperate and make a reasonable effort to stop the disturbance under § 10-0703. Noise audible 50 feet from the building is prima facie evidence of a violation.
Violations & Fines
Infraction, fine up to $1,000; repeat police calls (2+ same day, or 3 written notices to an absentee owner in 6 months) count as prima facie evidence against the tenant or owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fargo police make everyone leave a loud party?
Is the property owner responsible for a tenant's loud party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
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