A decision that found a resident guilty of violating the city’s social host ordinance was overturned by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Steven Hintz because of the lack of procedural due process.

Cody Segal, 23, was fined $2,500 after an April 19 Thousand Oaks administrative hearing found him in violation of the ordinance, which holds residents responsible for underage drinking in their private or rented residential or commercial property.

Police, called to Segal’s condo on Oct. 26, 2008, found a noisy party with beer in plastic cups and teens under the influence of alcohol. Segal was not present at the party.

Segal asked the superior court to look at the hearing decision. He said the administrative hearing officer was unqualified. On Dec 31 the judge ordered Thousand Oaks to give him a new hearing with a different officer.

“We will do as the judge instructed,” City Attorney Amy Albano said.

—Nancy Needham