Charlotte, NC Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 15-138(a) requires city parks to be open to the public every day of the year during designated hours, except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies as determined by the director of the engineering and property management department. Each individual park's opening and closing hours are set by the department and posted on-site for public information rather than fixed uniformly by ordinance. Section 15-138(b) gives the director broad discretion to declare any section or part of a park closed to the public at any time and for any interval, whether temporarily or on a regular recurring schedule, and whether closing the whole park or only certain uses within it, whenever the director finds it reasonably necessary.

Beyond posted hours, Section 15-138(c) requires a permit from the director before participating in any activity the department designates as requiring one, with applications reviewed against five standards, including whether the activity would unreasonably interfere with public enjoyment or require unusual police expense. A director's permit denial must be explained in writing within 14 days, and an aggrieved applicant can appeal to the city manager's office within seven days, with the city manager ruling within another seven days.