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Chico, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Default closure
10 p.m.-5 a.m.
City Plaza/Upper Bidwell
11 p.m.-5 a.m.
Exceptions
Passthrough and staff activities
Director authority
Can order temporary closures

Summary

Chico parks, greenways, and open spaces close 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., except City Plaza and Upper Bidwell Park, which close 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Unless authorized by an approved permit, it is unlawful for any person to be present in any city of Chico parks, greenways, or open spaces during the hours the parks, greenways, or open spaces are closed. Unless otherwise posted, closing hours shall be between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. for all City parks, greenways and open spaces, except City Plaza and Upper Bidwell Park where closing hours are from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

B.   The following exceptions shall apply to this section, if the person is:

1.   Directly and actively proceeding to a destination outside of parks, greenways or open spaces.

2.   A duly authorized city or Chico Area Park and Recreation District employee or persons participating in city activities or other activities for which the city or has provided written permission to utilize a park, greenway or open space beyond the closing time.

C.   The city of Chico or Chico Area Park & Recreation District director may temporarily close its respective parks, greenways, or open spaces, or a portion of any park, greenway, or open space whenever the director determines that such closure is necessary for the protection of public safety or public property. It is unlawful for any person to be present in any park, greenway or open space, or portion of any park, greenway or open space, that has been temporarily closed by the director. (Res. No. 95-06, Res No. 105-08) (Res. No. 31-13 §23) (Ord. No. 2606 § 1)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).

Full Breakdown

Chico Municipal Code Section 12R.04.370 makes it unlawful, absent an approved permit, to be present in any city park, greenway, or open space during closed hours. The default window is 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.; City Plaza and Upper Bidwell Park get a later 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. closure. Exceptions cover people actively passing through to a destination outside the park and authorized city or Chico Area Park and Recreation District staff and permitted activities. The director may also order temporary closures for public safety.

Violations & Fines

Being present in a closed park, greenway, or open space without authorization or a permit is a misdemeanor or infraction, enforceable by police citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Chico's parks close?
10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for most city parks, greenways, and open spaces, under Section 12R.04.370 - except City Plaza and Upper Bidwell Park, which stay open until 11:00 p.m.
Can I walk through a closed park to get somewhere?
Yes - directly and actively passing through to a destination outside the park is exempted from the closure rule.

Sources & Official References

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