Curfew Laws in Santa Rosa, CA

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

Juvenile Curfew

Santa Rosa Code Section 10-16.010 bars anyone under 18 from remaining in a public place during curfew hours: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. from September through May, and midnight to 5:00 a.m. from June through August. Parents who knowingly allow it are also liable.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 10-16.010. Curfew, Sept-May: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Curfew, Jun-Aug: Midnight to 5:00 a.m.. Covered age: Under 18 years old. Parent liability: Knowingly permitting violation is also unlawful.

Section 10-16.035 makes any violation of the chapter a separate offense for each day or part of a day it continues, punishable under the citywide penalty scale at Section 1-28.010: up to $1,000 and six months in jail as a misdemeanor, or a reduced $250 first-offense/$500 repeat-offense fine if charged as an infraction.

Park Curfew

Santa Rosa closes every City park and outdoor recreation facility overnight under City Code Section 13-24.030. Parks open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. during Pacific Standard Time or 9 p.m. during Daylight Time, unless the Recreation and Parks Director posts extended hours or issues a program permit. Being caught inside after closing is a citable offense enforced by City police.

Key details: Standard hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. PST / 9 p.m. PDT. First violation: Infraction, up to $25 fine. Repeat violation: Misdemeanor. Courthouse Square hours: Closes 10 p.m., reopens 6 a.m.. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens: Closes 7 p.m., reopens 8 a.m..

A first violation of the park curfew is an infraction carrying a maximum fine of $25.00. Any second violation, and each one after it, escalates automatically to a misdemeanor, per Section 13-24.030(B). The stricter Courthouse Square curfew carries its own penalty ladder, a $100 infraction for the first offense and a misdemeanor for repeats within a year, under Section 13-24.075(D).

The Bottom Line

Santa Rosa'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 Santa Rosa is broadly strict or permissive.

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