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

Sec. 9-97 defines a 'public nuisance' gathering as two or more people assembled in a way that substantially disturbs the quiet enjoyment of private or public property, through excessive noise, excessive foot or vehicle traffic, blocked public ways, illegal parking, public urination, service of alcohol to minors, public alcohol consumption, fighting, disturbances of the peace, or littering (Sec. 9-97(b)). After police respond to such a gathering, the chief of police must mail a notice of response within ten days to the property owner of record, and, if attendees are students, to the president or headmaster of their school (Sec.

9-97(c)). On a first response, the resident or person in control of the premises, the organizer or sponsor, and any attendee whose own conduct caused the nuisance are all liable for fines (Sec. 9-97(d)). On a second or later response within the same one-year period, the property owner becomes liable too, unless the owner is actively pursuing eviction of the responsible tenant, and the notice was mailed at least 14 days before the repeat gathering (Sec. 9-97(e)). The ordinance separately bans underage alcohol consumption at any gathering, public or private, and requires whoever controls the premises to take reasonable steps, such as checking IDs and controlling alcohol access, to stop underage drinking (Sec.

9-97(f), (g)). A new one-year clock starts if new residents move into the premises after a prior violation, so liability does not follow the address once the responsible occupants leave (Sec. 9-97(e)(4)).