City Council unanimously approved an ordinance at last night's meeting that will help police officers force partygoers to get down from roofs.
Police officers now can make people come down from roofs if they are in violation of the city's noise, nuisance party or disorderly conduct ordinances. Occupants must also evacuate the roof if there is a disturbance and police order them to come down, according to the new ordinance.
This applies if there is something going on in the structure or if residents are being cited or have been cited that night
said councilwoman Sherry Coon, D-2nd Ward.
People who are told to come down from a roof could be charged with a minor misdemeanor without a warning, Coon said. If people refuse or put up a fight, officers can increase the charge to a fourth degree misdemeanor.
Although roof occupants can be charged on the spot, Coon said they probably will not be charged as long as they come down quietly.
The ordinance does not apply to people sunbathing or working on their roofs even if residents are in violation of their lease, she said. The enforcement of the lease will be up to the landlord, not the police officers, she added.
There won't be a special roof task force she said. If someone is minding their own business on their roof they are fine.
Coon said the ordinance will go into effect immediately in an effort to keep future street fests under control.
All council members said they agree that the roof ordinance is an important step toward ensuring the safety of the residents of Athens.
This is a proactive safety measure
said councilman Elahu Gosney, D-at large. It's a good thing.
The possible noise ordinance, which was originally talked about in tandem with the roof ordinance, is still being discussed, Coon said.
An ad hoc committee met April 23 to discuss the concerns raised by council members, Athens residents and students, she said, adding that another meeting is scheduled for April 30.
The council will not vote on the possible noise ordinance during the summer so that students can be present, she said.
1
News
Alex Stuckey
