Southold limits private property parties

Among the changes are sliding fees for obtaining permits for events, ranging from $50 to as much as $550 for events with more than 1,000 people.

Special districts, such as fire departments, and nonprofits are excluded from the new law. Agricultural entities, such as farms holding pumpkin-picking events, also are excluded.

The law recognizes that private residential property owners may host family events and not-for-profit fundraisers, for example, but prohibits their use as venues for such for-profit events as weddings.

Applications under the new permit process must consider sanitary waste, the size of the structure and permissible exits, and adequate parking. The permit application also must explain the location of tents, traffic control plans and use of outdoor music.

Fines for not complying with the new permit law range from $500 to $5,000.

Southold Supervisor Scott Russell said commercial or for-profit events held at private residences have grown steadily through the years, and town code did not include parameters for homeowners renting their homes for large gatherings.