With summer on the horizon, the city of El Paso is launching an educational campaign to remind residents of the rules regarding renting out residential pools or properties for parties or other large events.
The campaign follows last year’s move by the El Paso City Council to clarify rules surrounding “party halls” after numerous complaints were received from residents who faced large crowds, loud music, and crowded residential streets.
“When hot weather arrives, we see a rise in safety concerns, traffic issues, and disturbances stemming from residents renting out parts of their homes as entertainment venues,” said city Code Enforcement Director Steve Alvarado in a news release. “This summer, to mitigate the issue, we are reaching out to residents to help them understand the law and foster more harmonious neighborhoods.”
According to the El Paso City Code, residential and commercial pools are defined as:
A violation of the zoning ordinance around the use of residential properties as entertainment venues is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 in fines.
How will city spread message?
Along with the upcoming education campaign meant to dissuade anyone considering renting out their property, enhanced enforcement will also be part of the city’s arsenal this year.
The education and enforcement campaign will utilize the following strategies:
Does city ordinance ban all gatherings?
While the city’s ordinance bans entertainment venues in residential areas, it does not prohibit family gatherings such as birthday parties or other family gatherings.
The ordinance only applies if payment is received for the temporary use of a pool or backyard in a residential neighborhood.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso launches campaign on illegal pool, party rentals ahead of summer
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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