Marin County, CA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- 1st offense fine (adult)
- $750
- 2nd offense fine (adult)
- $1,500
- 3rd+ offense fine (adult)
- $2,500
- Underage host penalty
- Mandatory restorative justice program
- Hearing request window
- 45 days
- Enforcing agency
- Marin County Sheriff's Office
Summary
Marin County Code § 6.75.050 makes it a civil violation to knowingly host a loud or unruly gathering in the unincorporated area where alcohol, controlled substances or marijuana reach anyone under twenty-one. The sheriff can cite the host on the spot with no prior warning, and fines climb from $750 to $2,500 per repeat offense.
A first violation of this section shall result in a citation with a seven hundred fifty dollar fine for an adult offender over the age of twenty-one plus the requirement of six hours attendance at a restorative justice program that entails observation of restorative justice program hearings. A second violation shall result in a citation with a one thousand five hundred dollar fine to an adult offender over the age of twenty-one plus the requirement of twelve hours attendance at a restorative justice program that entails observation of restorative justice program hearings. A third or subsequent violation by an adult offender shall result in a citation with a two thousand five hundred dollar fine plus the requirement of twenty hours attendance at a restorative justice program that entails observation of restorative justice program hearings.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
75, the Social Host Accountability Ordinance, defines a "loud or unruly gathering" to include excessive noise, excessive traffic, obstruction of public streets, public drunkenness, fights, vandalism or litter at a residence, rented property or on a party bus. Liability falls on the "person responsible for the event": the owner, renter, resident in control of the premises, or the organizer; if that person is a juvenile, the juvenile's parents or guardians are jointly and severally liable. 040(g). 4. Underage hosts and offenders under twenty-one face mandatory participation and graduation from a court- or county-approved restorative justice program rather than escalating cash fines.
The unpaid fine or cost-recovery fee is a debt to the county, collectible in a civil action that can include the county's attorney fees under Government Code § 25845(c).
Violations & Fines
A first adult violation draws a $750 fine plus six hours of restorative justice program attendance; a second draws $1,500 and twelve hours; a third or later draws $2,500 and twenty hours. Underage offenders must complete a restorative justice program instead. Civil penalties under this chapter do not bar separate criminal prosecution under Penal Code § 272 or Business and Professions Code §§ 25658, 25658.2 and 25662.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sheriff have to warn me before citing a loud party?
Can my parents be fined if I'm a minor who hosted the party?
Is there a separate fee beyond the fine if deputies keep responding?
Can I fight a loud-party citation in unincorporated Marin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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