Partying without a permit in Terre Haute could bring financial penalties

In the past two months, 14 people have been assessed fines and court costs totaling $18,890 in City Court for violating an ordinance requiring a city permit, a detailed safety plan and liability insurance.

The City Council passed the ordinance last year at the urging of police after a series of events, including a 2015 incident where a man was killed during a party at a house on South 13 ½ Street and a 2016 event at the Maple Avenue Armory in which many shots were fired and at least two people were hurt.

The recent citations have stemmed from five incidents this fall including an Oct. 21 party near Fourth and Hulman streets in which shots were fired. One woman was injured but police say it is not clear she was hit by gunfire. Still, the incident led to the maximum fine of $2,500.

The number of citations exceeds the number of events because multiple tenants, generally young adults, have been cited for each event.

“We’ve been having these very big parties; people have been charging money to get in; there’s generally a lot of illegal activity that’s been taking place,” City Attorney Eddie Felling said. “We’re hoping that, based on what we’re asking and … what the court’s been accepting is going to curb that behavior.” Some people have hosted parties even after applying for a permit and being denied, Felling said.

City Judge Chris Wrede stressed the need for wouldbe hosts to follow the ordinance and obtain the required permit. “We’re not trying to say you can’t have [a party], just go through the appropriate channels,” he said. “I wish I wouldn’t have any of them in front of me. Unfortunately it happens, and we have to work the best way we can to figure out how to make it safe.”

Police Chief John Plasse said he is pleased by the court’s actions. “I think the fines have been sending a message and they’re realizing they can’t do that,” Plasse said. “Ultimately it is making our city safer so we’re going to continue to [issue citations].”

On top of fines, some party hosts, who are generally renters, have found themselves the target of eviction proceedings by landlords, Plasse noted.