The Howard County Council has passed emergency legislation prohibiting for-profit parties and entertainment events at residential properties, citing public safety concerns and the misuse of homes as commercial venues.
Sponsored by Council Member Deb Jung, Bill 58-2025 aims to stop unlicensed events that are often promoted online and charge admission, serving alcohol without proper permits, and disrupting neighborhood safety and livability.
While County zoning rules already prohibit commercial event activity in residential areas, the new law closes enforcement gaps and imposes more substantial penalties to deter violations.
- Prohibits any person or entity from promoting, organizing, or hosting a for-profit party or entertainment event at a residential property open to the general public.
- Authorizes the Howard County Police Department to enforce the law.
- Imposes a $2,500 fine for a first offense and $5,000 for any subsequent violation.
Council Members emphasized that these events — often held at rented homes or backyard pools — create serious risks, including noise, underage drinking, traffic congestion, and fire safety hazards.
The bill aligns with similar action taken earlier this month in Montgomery County, where the Council unanimously passed legislation cracking down on unlicensed “commercial house parties” following high-profile incidents that raised safety concerns in residential neighborhoods.
The Council passed the bill unanimously as an emergency measure, allowing it to take effect immediately.
Visit the Howard County Council website for more information.
