The City of Cape Girardeau commonly receives complaints regarding loud, unruly parties. These parties often occur in residential neighborhoods and disturb those that reside in these particular areas.

The City of Cape Girardeau has adopted this ordinance in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the number of "nuisance" parties held within the City. By doing this, it creates a more peaceful, safe enviornment for the entire community.

An ordinance adding a new section 17-160 to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, regarding Nuisance Parties was passed and approved on June 20, 2011. As stated in Article 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect ten days after its passage and approval.

What happens if I only have eight people at my party and the neighbors call the police?

If you or any of your guests are violating any ordinance, you may receive a citation for that violation. The City of Cape Girardeau still utilizes the maintaining a disorderly house ordinance that can be used in this situation as well.

What happens if I only have eight people at my party, but twenty show up uninvited?

It is your responsibility to maintain control of your property. If more people show up to your party than you have invited, ask those subjects to leave.

If they do not leave, call the Police Department and have them removed from your property. This helps to eliminate future problems at your property or residence.

If I have a party, how many people can I have?

You can have as many people as you like as long as you or your guests do not violate a City ordinance.

Why am I given a citation if someone attending my party is causing the problems (violation)?

You, as the property owner or renter of the property, are held responsible for the problems that occur at or on your property.

What is the fine or sentence for a Nuisance Party violation?

The fine or sentence is ultimately based on the severity of the incident and the discretion of the judge. However, a fine of up to $500.00 or a ninety (90) day jail sentence, or a combination of the two, would be imposed.

Article 1.    There is hereby added a new Section 17-160 to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cape Girardeau entitled "Nuisance Parties", in words and figures, to read as follows: 

Sec. 17-160.    Nuisance Parties.
(a)    Definitions.

The following definitations shall apply to this Section: 

Nuisance Party is a social gathering of ten or more people on residential property that results in any of the following occurring at the site of the gathering, on neighboring property or on an adjacent public street:

1. Unlawful sale, furnishing, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages;
2. Violation of any of the provisions of Section 17-156 to 17-158 of this chapter (noise);
3. Fighting;
4. Property damage;
5. Littering;
6. Outdoor urination or defecation in a place open to public view;
7. The standing or parking of vehicles in a manner that obstructs the free flow of traffic;
8. Conduct that threatens injury to persons or damage to property;
9. Unlawful use or possession of marijuana or any drug or controlled substance;
10. Trespassing; or
11. Indecent exposure.

Permit means to give permission to; or to allow by silent consent, by not prohibiting, or by failing to exercise control. 

(b)    Nuisance parties prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person having the right to possession of any residential premises, whether individually or jointly with others, to cause or permit a social gathering on the premises to become a nuisance party. 

(c)    Police order to disperse. 

Cape Girardeau police officers are authorized to order those attending a nuisance party to disperse. It shall be unlawful for any person not domiciled at the site of the nuisance party to fail or refuse to leave the premises immediately after being told to leave by a Cape Girardeau police officer. 

Article 2.    This ordinance shall be in full force and effect ten days after its passage and approval.