Johnston Proposes 'Disorderly House' Ordinance

JOHNSTON, IA — Property owners could face misdemeanor criminal charges or city fines for holding or allowing gatherings that are deemed a neighborhood nuisance, under a proposed city ordinance to be considered Monday by the Johnston City Council. The "disorderly house" ordinance also would give police leverage to deal with problem properties and repeat offenders.

Under the ordinance, police would be able to hold a property owner responsible "for knowingly allowing or sponsoring gatherings that degrade the peace of a neighborhood through actions of guests/participants." it would apply to disorderly conduct, noise violations, abuse of controlled substances, gambling, alcohol-related offenses, illegal use of fireworks, prostitution and related offenses, or engaging in state-licensed services without a license.

Information provided to the City Council also said creating the ordinance would "serve to target specific identified problem areas as they arise." Johnston officials patterned the proposed ordinance after a similar Cedar Falls ordinance. City officials said that, in the metro area, similar ordinances are in place in Des Moines and Windsor Heights.

The City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 6221 Merle Hay Road.

Image via City of Johnston