Santa Clara County, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Who sets hours
- Parks & Recreation Director
- Notice required
- Conspicuously posted at park
- After-hours entry
- Unlawful without Valid Permit
- Uniform hours
- No: set per park
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Director sets and posts each unincorporated Santa Clara County park's hours, and it's unlawful to enter or stay in a park after closing without a permit.
No person shall enter or remain in any Park, facility, building, road, or grounds, during those hours of the day or night when any such Park, facility, building, road, or grounds are closed to the public, except by Valid Permit issued by the Director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Under Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B14-14.1, the Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to establish the hours during which any County Park, building, road, ground, or facility is open to the public, and § B14-14.2 requires those hours to be conspicuously posted. Section B14-14.3 then bars anyone from entering or remaining in a Park, facility, building, road, or grounds during the hours it's closed, unless they hold a Valid Permit from the Director. There's no single countywide closing time: each park's posted hours control.
Violations & Fines
Entering or remaining after posted hours without a Director's permit is punishable under the Division's default penalty: an infraction up to $500, escalating to a misdemeanor for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Santa Clara County parks close?
Can I be cited for being in a county park after closing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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