The Mesa City Council passed a new noise ordinance on August 24, 2009. This ordinance was created to increase neighborhood safety and reduce threats to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare. The ordinance addresses many types of noise, including parties and social gatherings or events, which result in disturbing the peace and quiet enjoyment of our community.

What does the noise ordinance include?

The standard is based on reasonableness and applies to noise that is loud, excessive or disruptive, and includes, but is not limited to, electronic devices, vehicles, animals and people.

If the noise is intermittent or continuous for a period of at least 15 minutes, OR if it is after 10:00 p.m. but before 6:00 a.m., AND exceeds the property line, AND disturbs the peace and order of the neighborhood or a person of ordinary sensibilities, it can be considered a violation of the ordinance.

This ordinance does not apply to every day noise that allows for normal functions of city life to continue. Exemptions can be made on a temporary basis and granted on a case-by-case basis by the City.

Disruptive Party Noise

A "disruptive party, gathering or event" means a group of two or more persons who have assembled or are assembling on any private property, including property used to conduct business, in a manner which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, or a reasonable person of normal sensibilities, and/or creates noise as described in the ordinance.

What happens if a citizen calls the police?

You can remain anonymous when you call. If the activity is determined to be a threat to the peace, health, safety or general welfare of the public, an officer will respond to the gathering and will issue an order to the responsible party or parties to immediately disperse the gathering. In addition to the order of dispersal, the officer(s) can arrest the offenders for violations of state law or local ordinance. Responsible parties can include the home owner, property manager, the person making the noise, a sponsor or sponsors of an event, and any person in attendance. They can all receive a violation. The first violation includes a fine of $250.00 for each individual or entity responsible.

What happens if police respond a second or subsequent time?

If police respond a second or subsequent time, the responsible parties will receive a second violation of $500.00.  A third call resulting in a violation has a fee of $2,500.00.

All infractions can include cost recovery for law enforcement at the discretion of the court.

Any noise disturbances should be reported to the Mesa Police Department's non-emergency number -- 480-644-2211.

The ordinance can be viewed at http://www.mesaaz.gov/clerk/CodeBook/Uncodified_Ordinances/Ord_4942.pdf.