:: Noise Ordinance

• Respect for your neighbors is an important part of off-campus life. Living in a neighborhood is a very different experience from living in a University residence hall. While sharing a community with residents who are not students, you may find yourself living next door to a retired couple, a single parent with little children, or a young professional. Consider the circumstances of your fellow residents. Many families, senior citizens and others share our community. Understand that loud music, unclean surroundings, and late night disturbances are disrespectful and not appreciated. Such an environment can be rewarding and enjoyable, but you may find that your lifestyle must change to adapt to your new surroundings.
• The most common complaint about off-campus students have to do with noise disturbances. Sometimes those at fault are not even aware that they are disturbing others and don't understand the consideration it takes to co-exist peacefully with those of different habits, tastes, and lifestyles. With mutual respect and good communication, however, conflicts with your non-student neighbors can be avoided.
• In New Brunswick, a noise disturbance is any sound that:
  • endangers the safety or health of any person
  • disturbs a reasonable person with normal sensitivities
  • endangers property

The most common causes of noise disturbances are loud talking (e.g. parties with many people in attendance or out of control) and loud playing of stereos, radios, and televisions. It is illegal to cause or permit any noise disturbance on private property. As mentioned above, a large party gathered outside, or even inside, my cause a noise disturbance across property lines or in another apartment in the same building. Anyone who violates the Noise Ordinance is subject to a fine for each offense of up to $500.

:: Party Permits

You should also be aware of a city ordinance in New Brunswick that requires a "party permit" for certain kinds of events. Read the rules below to make sure you understand your obligations.

Who Must Obtain a Party Permit

You must apply for a party permit if both of the following factors are true:

• You are planning, organizing or sponsoring a party, festival or other event which 50 or more people will attend.
• An admission charge will be collected or contributions will be collected or asked for.

Where to Apply for a Party Permit

To apply for a party permit, you must fill out an application at the New Brunswick City Clerk. You must also pay a non-refundable $20 fee at the time you file your application. This office is located at the New Brunswick City Hall, Room 201, at 78 Bayard Street. You may contact them by phone at (732) 745-5040.

When to Apply for a Party Permit

File your application for a party permit with the New Brunswick City Clerk no later than 7 working days before your party.

What Information Must Be Furnished

• Date, time and duration of your event.
• Name, address and phone number of the person or organization applying for the permit and planning, sponsoring or organizing the party.
• Specific place where the party will occur.
• Name, address and phone number where the owner of the premises can be contacted and their written consent.
• Maximum number of persons anticipated to attend the party.
• Sworn statement by applicant that the information furnished is true and complete.

What Happens to Your Application

1. Within 48 hours of receiving your application, the City Clerk will notify the New Brunswick Police to verify the information in your application and the Inspectors to verify that the location and premises permit such a party.
2. The Police and Inspectors will notify the City Clerk, in writing, within 3 days of approving or denying your application. If either or both the Police or Inspectors deny your application, the reason will be given in writing to the City Clerk.

If Your Application Is Approved

• The City Clerk will issue a party permit. The permit will state the date, beginning and ending time of your party, where the party will be, the maximum number of people permitted at the party, and the name of the applicant. The Police will also receive a copy of the permit.
• You will be responsible for maintaining order at your party, preventing noisy or boisterous conduct, ensuring that your guests follow parking rules, and obeying the orders of the police and fire officials.

If Your Application Is Denied

The City Clerk will notify you that your application has been denied and the reason.

If You Violate the Party Permit Ordinance

If you have a party without applying for a permit, or if you were not granted a permit, or if you violate the conditions of your permit, you may be subject to a fine of $150 to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 days.

Tips for a Successful Party:

The first impression you make on your neighbors is a lasting one. If you are planning a party, remember that it is your responsibility as a host to keep any social events under control. The following tips are useful guidelines whenever you host an off-campus party:

1. Inform your neighbors that a party is going to take place. Create a handout with the date, time, and place of your party with a contact name and phone number for neighbors to reach you if there is a problem. Housemates deliver the handouts in person.
2. Draw up a guest list. Parties get out of control if you have an open-door policy. Be responsible for all guests on the premises.
3. Avoid parking problems. Guests should display appropriate parking permits to prevent ticketing and towing. Consider the parking needs of your neighbors.
4. Monitor the noise level coming from your apartment. In warmer weather, windows and doors are open and noise volume should be reduced accordingly.
5. Remind guests to leave the party quietly. Successful parties often end in complaints because of noisy gatherings after guests have left the party.
6. Serve alcohol ONLY to guests who are 21 years or older. Courts may hold you liable for a drunk driving accident caused by a guest. Limit the amount of alcohol served.
7. Have your housemates act as monitors to protect your party from uninvited guests and to control the activity of guests.
8. Clean your house and the property after the party. Remove all garbage from the yard and street. Keep your neighborhood clean.