San Jacinto, CA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Chapter 2.48 of the San Jacinto Municipal Code, adopted by the City Council as Ord. 951 in 1992, exists to reimburse the police department for second and subsequent responses to gatherings that cause disturbances on private property, including unlicensed paid admission dances or concerts. The process starts with a written warning under § 2.48.030(A). Officers issue it to the person responsible, and it must state that any return trip for similar or continuing disturbances counts as special security services billed to that person. The warning is signed by the person responsible, or the officer enters the words "refused to sign," and a copy is left with the responsible party.

The "person responsible" is defined in § 2.48.020 as the owner of the property, the person in charge of the premises, and/or the organizer of the event. When that person is a minor, the parents or guardians are jointly and severally liable for the police costs. A "party," "gathering" or "event" is any group assembled for a social occasion or social activity on private property.

Under § 2.48.040, the charge covers personnel, equipment and administrative costs, capped at one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for a single incident. Personnel and administrative time is figured at a per minute cost at current rates, and equipment is figured at repair or replacement value. The fee is supplementary to all other fines and penalties, and the City keeps the right to pursue actual costs above the cap through other legal remedies. Unpaid charges are a debt to the City, collectible in a court action that includes reasonable attorney fees.

Section 2.48.050 lets the chief of police or a designee impound evidence of unlawful activity from the premises, including stereo equipment, musical instruments, radios, amplifying equipment and recording equipment. Anyone aggrieved by the chief of police's decision to assess a penalty under the chapter can appeal to the City Council under § 2.48.060.