Troy, NY Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Two chapters of the Troy City Code reach house parties, and neither one is a decibel limit. Chapter 130, the Community Social Host and Underage Drinking chapter, adopted by the Troy City Council in 2007, targets the host. Under § 130-3, no person having control of any premises shall allow an open house party to take place at that residence if the person knows or has reason to know that any alcoholic beverage or drug is being unlawfully possessed, served to or consumed by a minor. A minor is anyone under 21, an open house party is a social gathering at a residence or other private property with minors present, and premises include yards and open areas adjacent to a dwelling. Exceptions in § 130-4 cover consumption lawfully permitted under § 65-c of the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and drugs taken on a current, valid prescription.

Chapter 220, Article I, adds a permit for commercial-style parties. Under § 220-1, whenever a residential dwelling is used for a social event open to the general public or any segment of it, where an admission fee is charged, or alcohol, food or beverages are sold, or a New York State Liquor Authority license is required, the owner of the property conducting the party must apply for a party permit. The police are in charge of issuing it. The application goes to the Chief of Police with the guest count, date and hours, type of party, whether food, beverages or alcohol will be served or sold, the charge for attending, a copy of any beer or liquor license, and a $25 fee (§ 220-2). Issuance also turns on the applicant's prior conduct at other public parties and the effect on the neighborhood's health, safety, welfare and morals (§ 220-3). Denial must state reasons, and those reasons cannot rest on incidents more than two years before the application (§ 220-4). Social halls and clubs whose buildings are not primarily residential in character are exempt (§ 220-5).