Millcreek, PA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Article VI of Chapter 40 of the Millcreek Township Code, titled Disorderly Houses, was adopted 7-9-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-6. Section 40-43 prohibits participating in, or knowingly being present in or at, a disorderly house or place where disorderly conduct as defined in the article is occurring. Section 40-42 defines a house or place as any residence or other building, structure or site, so a party in a house, garage, yard or rented hall falls inside the definition.

The definition of disorderly conduct is broad. It covers conduct that disturbs the good order and quiet of the Township by clamor or noise, intoxication, fighting or threatening to fight, and violent or tumultuous behavior. Two items fit a loud party directly. Item G is shouting or making a noise either outside or inside a building during the evening to the annoyance or disturbance of other persons. Item H is operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television or other device producing or amplifying sound at any time of the day in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary. The word permitting in item H reaches the person who allows the equipment to run.

The article reaches anyone who participates or knowingly stays, which includes guests. It does not create a separate host or landlord offense. Section 40-44 assigns enforcement to the Millcreek Police Department under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure governing summary offenses and Chapter 48, Article I, Ordinance Enforcement. The separate Noise Control article, Article VII, adds measured decibel limits and lets police issue a warning before a citation. A private residential social gathering not held open to the general public, such as a birthday or graduation party, does not need a special event permit under § 40-55B unless the Office of Emergency Management decides one is necessary.