Medford, MA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Section 38-37's purpose clause states it exists to protect health, safety and welfare by imposing liability on property owners and other responsible persons for nuisances caused by loud or unruly private gatherings, and to prohibit underage drinking at them. The ordinance defines a public nuisance broadly, covering a gathering that creates a substantial disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of property in a neighborhood. After police respond, the chief of police must mail notice by certified mail to the property owner within ten days, warning that a second response within one year triggers liability for penalties and response costs.

Liability under subsections (d) and (e) is joint and several among the person controlling the premises, whoever organized the gathering, and attendees who engaged in the nuisance conduct; a property owner actively pursuing eviction of a tenant responsible for the gathering is shielded from liability. Enforcement runs through the noncriminal disposition process of M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21D, with any police officer authorized to enforce, and fines set at $300 for a first response, $400 for a second, and $500 for each subsequent response in a one-year period, per person cited, plus administrative and response costs.

Officers may issue a written warning instead of a fine if they respond before 10:00 p.m. The one-year clock resets when new residents move into the premises. The ordinance was adopted by Ordinance No. 766 in 2011.