HOLLYWOOD HILLS—After years of hearing complaints from Hollywood Hills residents, the Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance on February 21 to reign in out-of-control party houses in Los Angeles. The ordinance, which began as a motion introduced by Councilmember David Ryu in June 2016, creates a series of escalating fines against party hosts and homeowners who either host or rent out their homes for massive gatherings that disturb neighbors, block the public right of way, and threaten public safety.

“Today, we are putting public safety first and party houses on notice” Councilmember Ryu said.

“The problem of residential homes being used as de facto nightclubs has been growing for years. It’s not just a nuisance in otherwise quiet neighborhoods – it is a real danger.”

The ordinance was passed unanimously by the City Council in a 15-0 vote. The new fines for noise complaints will soon be enforced by the Los Angeles Police Department and may result in criminal charges for the property owner.

The fines include:

  • $100 for the first violation;
  • $500 for the second violation;
  • $1,000 for the third violation;
  • $2,000 for the fourth violation;
  • $4,000 for the fifth violation;
  • And $8,000 for the sixth and subsequent violation

Fourth District LA City Councilman David Ryu represents the regions of Hollywood Hills, Griffith Park, Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Larchmont and portions of Koreatown and Van Nuys.

“Egregious Party Houses represent only one percent of the homes in my hillside communities, however, we must provide LAPD more effective enforcement tools that will bring relief to the 99 percent of residents who are besieged by these inconsiderate neighbors,” Ryu said in a letter to City Council member Jose Huizar. “These new tools will save taxpayer dollars while streamlining enforcement.”

The ordinance was supported by the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council, Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council, Northridge East Neighborhood Council, Valley Village Neighborhood Council and other community organizations.

“With this new ordinance, the party is over for these completely out of hand neighborhood headaches,” said Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. “With escalating fines into the thousands of dollars, this ordinance has the teeth to help us continue our house party prosecutions with greater effectiveness. I applaud Councilmember Ryu’s leadership on this.”

Violators will also be subjected to a 30-day violation period, wherein a public notice will be posted on their property in order to notify the neighborhood. They will also not be able to use services like Airbnb during this time.

“It’s with enormous thanks and great relief that we celebrate the passage of the Party House Ordinance, a project long in the making,” said Anastasia Mann, President of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council. “This will come as a great relief to residents who have had to endure significant damage to their quality of life issues due to unruly, out of control – mostly commercial – parties in neighborhood across Los Angeles but particularly in the Hollywood & other Hillside communities.”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is expected to sign the ordinance into law.

Written By Don Girard and Casey Jacobs