Germantown commission looking to crack down on house parties

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Proposed changes are coming to Germantown’s city ordinance as an effort to crack down on parties in residential areas.

In Section 2389 of Germantown’s municipal code, the planning commission will add a brand new section.

However, none of these changes were finalized on Tuesday due to members’ concerns about language.

Germantown’s planning commission approved some language for an amendment in a city ordinance.

Currently, Section 2389 has six rules for business-like activities in residential areas.

But now, a seventh rule has been proposed.

It prohibits using residential property to host events for business purposes, highlighting any event that requires door admission or a donation requirement.

It gives exceptions for political, religious, city civic support or school support organizations.

“There is a clear intent for the people of Germantown to make sure we work very diligently to protect the quaintness, the serenity, the privacy (and) the safety of our residential neighborhoods,” said Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzola.

Mayor Palazzola said this addition to the city code is crucial, especially after rampant parties that have taken place in the city over the past few years.

One in 2023 led to 35 calls to service after multiple vehicle crashes, two fights, traffic complaints and a harassment complaint that were directly associated with the party.

This past summer, the city took legal action following a party at a home off Forest Hill Irene that generated numerous complaints.

“I think there might be a place for expanding the exceptions to include a more general non-profit,” said Germantown Planning Commission member Jennifer Sisson.

Sisson was just one of several board members who suggested adding more language.

Language like adding in criteria for private schools or in some cases, closing the gap for potential loopholes.

An example of this being partial fundraising efforts at parties.

“They raise $10 of the $300,000 that they have raised that night,” Steve Levy said in reference to an Airbnb party.

While the city’s attorney works on language, the need for clarity remains.

“I want to make sure while we are restricting things we don’t want to happen, we are not overly restricting,” Sisson said. “And we have an ordinance that is clear and can be enforced.”

These proposed changes will have to go through three more readings at Germantown’s board of mayor and alderman meetings before going into effect.

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