Curfew Laws in Parma, OH

If you live in Parma or are thinking about moving there, curfew laws are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Parma has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of curfew laws, and some of them might surprise you.

Park Curfew

Every city park in Parma closes at 11:00 p.m. under Codified Ordinances Section 961.08(a), with individual opening and closing times posted on-site. Police officers, the Director of Public Service and park attendants can eject anyone remaining after hours, and a violation carries the chapter's penalty of up to $500 and six months in jail.

Key details: Citywide closing time: 11:00 p.m. daily (961.08(a)). Legal authority: Codified Ordinances § 961.08(a). Enforcement: Police, Director of Public Service, park attendants. Penalty: Up to $500 fine and/or 6 months (961.99(a)). Related ban: Overnight camping/trailers after closing (961.05(f)).

Remaining in a Parma park, or leaving a boat, camp trailer or other movable structure there, after the posted closing hour violates Chapter 961 and is punishable under the general penalty of Section 961.99(a): up to $500.00 in fines, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation charged separately. Police officers and park attendants may eject violators and seize property used in the violation under 961.09.

Juvenile Curfew

Parma bars children under 12 from streets and sidewalks between darkness and dawn, kids 12 to 16 from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and 17-year-olds from public places between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. Both the child and the parent who allows the violation can be charged.

Key details: Under 12: barred darkness to dawn. Ages 12-16: barred 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Age 17: barred midnight to 5:00 a.m.. Exception: accompanied by parent or adult 21+. First offense: fourth-degree misdemeanor.

A first curfew violation is a fourth-degree misdemeanor; a second or later violation is a third-degree misdemeanor, with punishment set under Section 698.02. Both the violating child and a parent or guardian who permits the violation can be separately charged under Section 630.04.

This is one of the stricter rules in Parma's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Parma'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 Parma is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Parma's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.