SLO partiers who register their events can avoid a fine and a visit from the cops

San Luis Obispo residents planning to host a party can avoid a potential noise violation, fine and visit from the police by registering their event with the Police Department.

The pilot program, approved Tuesday by the City Council, allows hosts to notify police of their planned parties at least one week in advance.

Then, if a neighbor complains about noise, a dispatcher will call the registered party host, who will have 20 minutes to end the disturbance without further action.

The council sought a collaborative rather than punitive approach to achieve neighborhood peace, help avoid potentially costly fines, end parties more quickly and reduce additional complaints. Party hosts must be 18 years old and provide a photo ID.

The city’s Police Department will manage the program. Registration forms will be submitted at the department’s records counter. They will be reviewed and approved or denied by the neighborhood outreach manager, who will also monitor noise complaints and collect data.

This story was originally published April 6, 2017 at 4:48 PM with the headline "SLO partiers who register their events can avoid a fine and a visit from the cops."