SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Supervisors will hear public comment at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on two proposed ordinances intended to regulate and penalize parties that create disturbances.

Officials began in May discussing ways the township could reduce problems sparked by out-of-control gatherings after a large party attended by Slippery Rock University students and other young people at The Heights apartments on Route 173. Police and emergency responders also were called to a couple large parties this fall.

The nuisance gathering ordinance is based on a similar one that has been effective in State College, solicitor Wil White told the board at a Sept. 14 meeting.

If approved, any property owner hosting a “nuisance gathering” would be fined between $500 and $1,000 and could also be required to reimburse responding departments for the cost of fire or ambulance services.

The ordinance would define as a nuisance any gathering of at least 10 people on private property that results in two or more illegal activities from a list of 10 possible offenses.

Illegal activities include unreasonably loud noise, public disturbances, illegal sale or consumption of alcohol, public drunkenness, public urination, littering, criminal mischief, open lewdness and the sale, manufacture or possession of any controlled substance.

Political and religious events would be exempt.

The township’s zoning officer would issue ordinance citations and the township would rely on the state police to issue citations for any illegal activities, White said.

The second ordinance on outdoor sound systems would be an amendment to the township’s zoning ordinance. It would require property owners or event organizers to obtain a permit to have a sound system for outdoor entertainment.

Single-family dwellings, school properties, religious and political events or uses would be exempt. The new rules would apply to multifamily dwellings, parks and businesses.

The ordinance would also limit hours of operation to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Owners also would be limited to one permit per month and six per calendar year.

The ordinance also gives the zoning administrator authority to revoke or deny a permit for violating any of the rules or for violating the nuisance ordinance.

Supervisor Paul Dickey said he expects management from some of the township’s apartment complexes to attend the hearing.

The township still could make minor changes to the proposed ordinances before taking a vote.

“If you think there needs to be changes based on the input, you will take the time to do that,” he said.

Both ordinances are available at the township building, 155 Branchton Road, or at the law library in the Butler County Courthouse.

The supervisors plan to consider adoption of the ordinances at 3 p.m. Nov. 23.