The Baltimore Banner · Kaicey Bailey, WJZ · September 8, 2026
The Baltimore County Council is considering new legislation that would ban commercial house parties, following complaints from Catonsville neighbors about large, out-of-control pool parties during the summer. If passed, those who violate the law could face a $2,500 fine for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. Baltimore County’s proposed ban on for-profit parties follows the enactment of similar policies in Montgomery and Howard counties. County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said Tuesday that these types of parties can create safety concerns. “They can include the unlicensed sale and service of food and alcohol,” Klausmeier said. “I’m sure they’re not carding young people.” The legislation takes aim at events that are advertised to the general public; charge admission or fees for food, drinks and entertainment; and operate from residential properties, according to a news release from the county. “We want people to enjoy their homes and have parties with their family and friends,” Klausmeier said in a statement. “What we’re stopping are commercial parties where homes are being advertised as venues, tickets are sold, and large crowds cause disruptions in communities. We are protecting the peace and enjoyment of our neighborhoods.” Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said the department has received several calls about disruptive paid parties, primarily in the eastern and western parts of the county. He said the proposed ban would give police another enforcement tool to go after repeat offenders. “There’s not a lot of people who do this. It’s usually the same people we see over and over again and they’ll change locations,” McCullough said. Baltimore County resident Danielle Singley said hundreds of people showed up multiple times a week for pool parties at her neighbor’s home in Catonsville. She said the gatherings were out of control. “Trespassing, public intoxication, public urination, lewd behavior, people climbing on top of cars and throwing trash,” Singley said. A flyer posted on social media advertised an admission fee and listed how many people could attend. “We don’t have a problem with parties. Of course, everyone has a little party here and there, but this is beyond a party,” Singley said. A friend and representative of the homeowner told WJZ that revenue from the fee helped cover food and safety measures. “And it provides maintenance to keep the pool, the tents, everything sanitized,” Norman Johnson said. These are the types of parties the proposed legislation is intended to crack down on, county officials said. Singley applauded the legislation and what she described as swift action from county leaders. “We sent a strong message in this community,” Singley said. “Now, my concern is will it happen somewhere else?” McCullough said some for-profit parties could continue into the fall and that the proposed bill could help deter them. Banner staff contributed to this article. WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner