Novi, MI Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Section 22-217 defines an "open house party" as a social gathering at a residence that includes people beyond the owner, those with rights of possession, or their immediate family. The prohibition in subsection (b) reaches any person seventeen years or older who has "control" of a residence, meaning presence plus the right to exercise restraint or dominion over the premises, whether or not they are the owner. Liability attaches on a knowledge standard: the host is responsible only if they knew or reasonably should have known that alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance was in the possession of or being consumed by an underaged person, defined as anyone under 21, and then failed to prevent or stop that possession or consumption.

A host who breaks up the party or confiscates the alcohol once they learn of it is not liable under the plain text of the section. Subsection (c) carves out a narrow exception for legally protected religious observances, covering sacramental wine use and similar rites. The ordinance sits in Article IX, "Offenses Pertaining to Underaged Persons," alongside the city's parental-responsibility section at § 22-216 and its curfew provisions, and cross-references the alcoholic liquor chapter, City Code Chapter 3. Because § 22-217 does not spell out its own penalty, the citywide default in § 1-11 applies: violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, with each day of an ongoing violation chargeable as a separate offense.