What it says:

Chapter 36 of the Santa Barbara County Code of Ordinances, specifically Sections 36-6
through 36-8, defines when a social gathering or party in Isla Vista is deemed a public nuisance,
which can carry larger fines or misdemeanor charges. Here’s what you need to know.

Section 36-6: Public nuisance declared.

1. Nuisance Definition Based on Violation: A party or social gathering is declared a public nuisance if it results in three or more violations of local or state law, occurring at the event or nearby public property. Examples of violations include:
   • Violent/Disruptive Behavior: Battery, fighting in public, or criminal threats.
   • Property-Related Offenses: Vandalism, unlawful entry into a building, vehicle vandalism, or trespassing.
   • Public Safety Risks: Fires, unlawful fireworks, or obstructing roadways.
   • Alcohol-Related Offenses: Minors in possession of alcohol or unregistered kegs.
   • Other Violations: Public nudity, disturbing the peace, or urinating in public.
2. More Severe Violations: This ordinance addresses cases in which more severe violations occur at or adjacent to a party. Only one or more of these violations must occur in order for these parties to be declared a public nuisance:
   • Violent Behavior: sexual battery, battery with serious bodily injury, brandishing a weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, or battery on a peace officer, firefighter, or EMT
   • Public Safety Risks: arson or attempted arson, willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer, firefighter, or medical respondent
   • Other Violations: contributing to the delinquency of a minor (ex. giving a minor alcohol or drugs), lewd and lascivious acts (public sexual misconduct), and furnishing alcohol to minors.
3. Dangerous or Provocative Behaviors: The ordinance also covers parties where unsafe actions may provoke violence or cause harm. In this case, only one or more of these violations need to occur in order to declare the party a public nuisance. Specific examples include:
   • Throwing Dangerous Objects: Rocks, bottles, or projectiles.
   • Dangerous Stunts: Jumping from elevated platforms (like stages).
   • Climbing Risks: Standing on rooftops or other surfaces not designed to hold people.
   • Interfering with Safety Barriers: Climbing fences or barriers meant for public safety.
   • Illegal Ticketed Events: Charging entry fees for gatherings in residential areas.
   • Blocking Public Pathways: Obstructing streets or sidewalks to the extent that it disrupts pedestrian or vehicle movement.
4. Visible Alcohol and Kegs: If a keg of beer or other alcohol is visible to the public from streets, sidewalks, or open areas, the gathering is deemed a nuisance. This includes private property open to public access.
5. Property Owner/Tenant Responsibility: Landlords, tenants, or property occupants can be held responsible if they knowingly host or promote a party that violates these rules. Even indirect assistance (e.g., allowing the use of property) can result in penalties.

Section 36-7 dictates that anyone attending a declared nuisance party must immediately comply with orders from law enforcement to disperse. This applies to both attendees and those not residing at the property. Refusing to leave or failing to follow instructions is a violation.

Section 36-8 specifies the penalties for violating either of the above sections.

1. Violating Section 36-6: Guilty of a misdemeanor, which can result in legal repercussions such as fines or criminal charges.
2. Violating Section 36-7: Guilty of an infraction under California law, which carries lighter penalties, such as smaller fines.
   

What this means for Isla Vista Residents:

For Isla Vista residents who want to throw parties, the ordinance means you must take responsibility for ensuring your gatherings stay safe, lawful, and respectful of the community. Violations can lead to serious consequences, including misdemeanor charges, fines, or even liability as a host.

Key Implications for Party Hosts:

1. Responsibility as a Host: If you’re hosting a party, you’re legally accountable for what happens during the event and on nearby public property.
2. Property Owner/Tenant Liability: Landlords, tenants, or property occupants can be held liable if they knowingly host or allow a nuisance party.
3. Immediate Compliance Required: If law enforcement declares your party a nuisance, attendees must disperse, and you could face charges.

Advice to Avoid Violations:

1. Control the Guest List:
   • Limit the number of attendees to people you know and trust.
   • Avoid promoting your party publicly on social media to prevent overcrowding and unwanted guests.
2. Monitor Behavior:
   • Be alert to risky behaviors, such as climbing on rooftops or throwing objects.
   • Make sure your guests don’t block streets, sidewalks, or driveways.
   • Keep loud music and other disturbances under control to prevent complaints.
   • Ensure alcohol is served responsibly. Avoid open kegs or visible alcohol that can attract public attention.
     • If alcohol is served, make sure that your guests are at least 21 years old.
3. Be Prepared to End the Party:
   • If law enforcement arrives and declares your party a nuisance, cooperate fully and disperse guests quickly and peacefully.
   • Ensure your property is cleaned up and any damages are repaired to avoid
     additional violations.
4. Prevent Property Damage:
   • Take measures to prevent vandalism or damage to your property, neighbors’ property, or public spaces.
5. Know the Ordinance:
   • Familiarize yourself with the specific violations listed in the ordinance. Ensure your party doesn’t include any behavior that could lead to a nuisance declaration.
6. Communicate with Neighbors:
   • Let neighbors know about your party in advance, especially if it might be noisy. This can help reduce complaints and avoid escalation.
7. Stay Informed About Noise Levels:
   • Comply with local noise ordinances. Keep music at a reasonable volume,
     especially late at night: the local noise ordinance starts at 10:00pm Sunday-Thursdays and at midnight on weekends (Friday and Saturday).

Throwing a party in Isla Vista is possible, but it requires responsible planning and awareness of the law. By setting boundaries, monitoring guests, and maintaining order, you can have fun while staying within legal limits and avoiding penalties.