Woodbury, MN Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 13-1(c)(6)
- Presumed violation
- Audible 50 feet away, 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Police power
- Can order guests to disperse immediately
- Refusal to leave
- Separate chargeable violation
- Related law
- Social host liability, § 13-11 (underage alcohol)
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, fine up to $700, up to 90 days
Summary
Woodbury outlaws noisy parties and gatherings that unreasonably disturb neighbors, presuming a violation under City Code § 13-1(c)(6) when gathering noise is plainly audible 50 feet away between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Police can order everyone but the host to disperse, and refusing to leave is a separate violation.
(6)Noisy parties and gatherings. No person shall permit or participate in any party or gathering of people, on public or private property, giving rise to noise, unreasonably disturbing the peace, quiet or report of a reasonable person or reasonable persons. It shall be presumed that a violation of this section has occurred when any noise from a gathering is plainly audible, at a distance of 50 feet or more, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.a.When a police officer has probable cause that a violation of this section has occurred, the officer may order all persons present, other than the owner or tenant of the premises, to disperse and leave the premises immediately. It shall be a violation of this section for any person to refuse to leave after being so ordered by the police officer
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 48).
Full Breakdown
' Subsection (c)(6)b carves out exceptions for city-authorized, sponsored or licensed activities conducted under a valid permit, guests who came solely to help end the violation, and snow-removal or owner-authorized safety work. Separately, § 13-11 'Social host' imposes its own alcohol-specific liability: a host is criminally responsible for a gathering where an underage person possesses or consumes alcohol if the host knew or should have known and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it, whether or not the host was present.
Violations & Fines
A noisy-party violation of § 13-1(c)(6) is a misdemeanor under § 13-1(d): up to a $700.00 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, and refusing a police dispersal order is a separate chargeable violation. A social-host violation of § 13-11 for underage drinking is also a misdemeanor, punishable by 'a fine, imprisonment or both' under § 13-11(g).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police break up a loud party in Woodbury?
How is a violation proven if there's no noise meter?
Is the host responsible if guests bring their own alcohol?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbury
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