Chapel Hill, NC Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 12-1 of the Chapel Hill Code of Ordinances gives the town manager authority to set opening and closing hours for all town parks and parks and recreation facilities, with the hours posted in a conspicuous location at each site. Once a park closes, Sec. 12-3(j) makes it unlawful for anyone other than authorized parks and recreation department staff or law enforcement personnel to enter or remain there; Sec. 12-1 further provides that a person who refuses to leave after being asked by a police officer or a parks and recreation department employee is acting unlawfully.

Two exceptions apply: someone taking part in a town-sponsored program, or a person who has obtained written permission from the director of parks and recreation to remain on site, may stay past closing. These closing-hour and after-hours rules sit inside the broader Sec. 12-3 rules and regulations for town parks, which also cover conduct such as motor vehicle use, trail speed and right-of-way, alcohol and firearms. Sec. 12-4 sets the penalty for any violation of Sec. 12-3 (including the after-hours entry rule cross-referenced from Sec.

12-1) at a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, except that vehicle-related violations under Sec. 12-3(d.1) (the Cedar Falls Park time limit) and Sec. 12-3(w) (unauthorized parking) instead carry the lesser penalty set out in Sec. 21-38(e) of the traffic code. Enforcement runs through the Chapel Hill Police Department, town public safety officers, and parks and recreation department employees designated by the parks and recreation director, per Sec. 12-2.