Costa Mesa's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Costa Mesa, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Juvenile Curfew

Costa Mesa's juvenile curfew runs from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. every night. Under sections 11-51 and 11-51.5, it's unlawful for anyone under 18 to remain in a public place or on business premises during those hours, and parents, guardians, owners and employees who knowingly allow it face the same misdemeanor exposure.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Adopted: Ordinance No. 98-12, May 1998. Applies to: anyone under 18. Also liable: parents, guardians, business owners/employees. Defenses: 10 listed, incl. work, emergencies, escort.

Section 11-54 makes every curfew violation a misdemeanor, with each day or part of a day the violation continues charged as a separate offense, carrying the general Code penalty of up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both under section 1-33. Minors themselves are handled through juvenile court law and procedure rather than adult criminal court.

Park Curfew

Costa Mesa closes its parks after dark. Sec. 12-23 bars anyone from entering or using any park, building or structure once it gets dark, unless the area is posted open by signage or the person holds a permit from the administrative services director.

Key details: Rule: No entering/using parks after dark. Code section: Sec. 12-23. Exception 1: Area posted open by signage. Exception 2: Permit from administrative services director. Vehicle overlap: No parking in parks, dark to 5 a.m. (Sec. 12-26).

Being present in a Costa Mesa park after dark without a posted signage exemption or an administrative services director's permit is a violation Sec. 12-20 treats as disorderly conduct ("a violation of any section of this Code"), which lets any authorized city employee, park ranger or officer eject the person on the spot. Three violations by the same person in the same park within 12 months escalate to a public nuisance the city can enjoin, with a park ban of up to 12 months.

The Bottom Line

Costa Mesa's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Costa Mesa is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Costa Mesa's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.