A free permit available through the city's Environmental Health Department can save party planners hundreds of dollars in fines and troublesome run-ins with police.
Noise variance permits, which allow for noise levels of up to 80 decibels or about the equivalent of a loud home stereo, ensure that loud house parties will not be interrupted by neighbors or police, said Susan Gallegos of the Environmental Health Department.
The permits are valid up until midnight seven days a week, Gallegos said, and there is no limit to how many of the permits will be issued per residence in a given year.
To keep parties from getting out of control, only two permits are allowed within 500 yards of each other on any given night, though, according to the department's Web site.
"Other than that, Albuquerque is pretty lax with its regulations regarding the permits," Gallegos said. "We only ask that you inform your neighbors that you are having a party and turn any stereo speakers to face the residence to keep the noise contained as much as possible."
The penalty for being cited for breaking the city's noise ordinance and disturbing the peace, meanwhile, aren't nearly as lax.
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Considered a misdemeanor, there are possible fines and even jail time for people caught in violation of the law, said Albuquerque Police Department Det. Jeff Arbogast.
"We try to be as understanding as possible, and when we're called to a loud party, we give the people involved every chance to turn down the noise levels," he said.
Police use noise measuring devices to gauge the decibel level of parties from residents who call and complain, he said. When the noise levels exceed 80 decibels, they intervene regardless of whether the party has a noise permit.
The fines for disturbing the peace range from $50 to $500 and up to 60 days in jail, Arbogast said.
The incurred court costs and state assessment fees are $50.
Many UNM students who have taken the time to acquire a noise permit when having a party say it really does save a lot of heartache.
"Pretty much all parties are going to get out of control and unless you have some really cool neighbors then the cops are going to be called," said UNM graduate student Monica Carter. "The permits are free, and it only takes five minutes to fill them out. It really is worth it."
Gallegos said depending on the area of Albuquerque where the party is to take place, parking permits are also available. They cost about $25 each.
