If you want to host a party
- Take the time now to meet all of your neighbors: Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get involved in the neighborhood—join the listserv, show up to the potluck, volunteer to help at neighborhood events, say hello when you see neighbors outside. Telling your neighbors that you’re having a party shouldn’t be the only time you talk to them!
- Tell your neighbors you’re having a party and give them your cell phone number. Ask them to call or text you if there’s an issue. This means that you need to be available for their text or call and that you need to correct the issue immediately if contacted.
- Durham’s noise ordinance applies 24/7. Don’t have amplified sound outside. If you can hear music or talking from outside your house it’s too loud
- Keep it small: Think about the number of people the house or apartment was designed for. Large crowds are more difficult to keep quiet. You should have enough space to easily move the part inside if need be. A good rule of thumb is less than 30 people in a house and less than 15 people in an apartment.
- Attend DuWell’s Social Host Training before hosting your party and have plenty of sober hosts.
- Know who’s in your home: Limit your guest to people you know. Have security measures in place to keep the attendance under the maximum location occupancy.
- BYOB parties save money and reduce risk. Don’t serve hard alcohol. Offer substantial food to your guests such as pizza, chips/salsa, veggies/dip. Provide plentiful and easily accessible water, seltzer, or soda.
- Make a plan for your guests’ safe transportation: Think about whether your street is a safe place for Ubers/Lyfts to drop off and make alternative arrangements if need be.
Reducing Noise
Quiet, please
Remind guests to be as quiet as possible when they arrive and leave.
Avoid congregations
Don't let guests congregate outside of your house, porch, or yard.
Check noise level
Take the time to periodically check the noise level inside and outside of your home. Keep windows and doors closed.
More on the noise ordinance
This is where most students run into problems with parties, read on.
- Durham’s noise ordinance applies 24/7 but becomes stricter after 11pm:
- Before 11pm the noise level is 60 decibels, or the volume of 2 adults having a "normal" conversation.
- After 11pm, the noise level is 50 decibels, or the volume of 2 adults having a "quiet" conversation.
- Durham’s noise ordinance results in criminal consequences: you can be cited and have to appear in court for a violation.
- The noise ordinance covers “unreasonably loud” or “disturbing” noise and specifically prohibits amplified music after 11pm.
- First time violations will NOT receive a warning, and will be referred to the Durham County Misdemeanor Diversion Program and/or be issued a citation.