Parties For Profit
Commissioner Requests Ordinance
MACo’s conferences are a place for local and state elected officials to gather, network, and learn. The county commissioners and selected staff were in Ocean City from August 13-16, where they attended informational panels and discussed what’s working, and what’s not, with their government counterparts across the state. It was there, Commissioner Alderson said this week, where he had a conversation with Howard County Councilmember Deb Jung about for-profit parties causing neighborhood disturbances.
The trend of throwing parties at a private residence with amenities–like a pool–has grown into a profitable business for some. Advertised online through social media and websites, organizers charge an entry fee, sell or provide alcohol, and create an atmosphere that can quickly get out of control. Partygoers spill out into the street or onto neighboring lawns. High attendance creates parking issues as vehicles block neighborhood streets.
That’s what some neighboring residents have stated. News reports from NBC Washington in 2024 and 2025 chronicled the fallout from events held in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. CBS News covered Howard County’s emergency bill, passed in July 2025, to address the issue of private, for-profit parties becoming a community nuisance. Montgomery County has also passed local legislation on the issue.
Howard County’s law, passed as an emergency act, sets a first offense fine of $2,500 for hosting any “for-profit parties or entertainment on residential property that is rented or used for a period of 30 days or less.” These events admit the general public, use residential property as commercial event spaces, serve alcohol without appropriate licenses, and violate health and safety standards, the law states. This results in “public intoxication and under-age drinking, uncontrolled parking, unsafe crowd control, insufficient or non-existent fire-safety, and insufficient sanitation and hygiene.” The bill, introduced by Councilmember Deb Jung, passed despite some public opposition. The legislation does not affect any approved uses that conform to the local zoning regulations.
Opponents said the bill limits use of Swimply, a website used for by-the-hour rentals of private pools, courts, backyards, and more. Some use it as a quick get-away, others may rent a pool for physical therapy. A local search showed several pools available for rent in areas like Charlotte Hall, Mechanicsville, and Leonardtown, priced from $31-115 per hour. Listings give details about the booking, including how many guests are permitted. Some local listings allow 25, 40, or even 100 guests per reservation.
Commissioner Alderson (R-District 3)
At the end of the commissioner’s meeting on August 19th, Commissioner Alderson formally asked the County Attorney to look into the issue using Howard County’s law as a framework for an ordinance in St. Mary’s. Alderson indicated there is currently an issue with events like this happening in north county, presumably in his district.
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