Salt Lake City new ordinance cracks down on unruly parties

SALT LAKE CITY — Having lived near the University of Utah for about four decades now, Esther Hunter was used to dealing with parties until about five years ago.

The types of college parties that spilled into her neighborhood suddenly seemed louder and rowdier, leading to concerns that she and her neighbors raised with city leaders.

“The parties have gone crazy, and they are extreme,” said Hunter, chair of East Central Neighborhood Council, as she supported a new city ordinance that seeks to curb “unruly” gatherings .

Members of the Salt Lake City Council voted Tuesday to approve the new ordinance, which increases penalties for parties, gatherings or events on private properties that “disturb the public peace, safety and welfare of the community,” and shifts the penalties to property own