Aurora aldermen weigh fines for party bands

AURORA - Aldermen on Tuesday gave the first nod to an expansion of the noise ordinance, one that will target live bands on private property.

In response to complaints from residents, Aldermen Juany Garza, 2nd Ward, and Scheketa Hart-Burns, 7th Ward, asked the Government Operations Committee, on which they both serve, to consider changing the noise ordinance to cover live bands.

However, city attorney Alayne Weingartz pointed out that the ordinance already covers loudspeakers, amplifiers, public address systems, and musical instruments. The law bans "unreasonably loud and raucous noise," and is subject to a number of factors, including time of day, duration of the sound, and how close the noise is to homes or other places people sleep.

Weingartz suggested upping the enforcement of that ordinance to target live bands at private parties. If the law passes, police will be able to leave a sticker on the door of a home where live bands are playing, fining the property's owner. The first offense will carry a fine of $250, the second in a year will run the offender $500, and the third (and all subsequent) $1,000.

The law is not intended to target outdoor music festivals and already includes an exception for city-sponsored events and those with proper permits.

The city council committee of the whole will get its first crack at this ordinance on Tuesday, with a full council vote expected on Nov. 10.