Mountain View, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 38.13
- Closing time
- 1/2 hour after sunset
- Reopening time
- 6:00 a.m.
- Shoreline Park hours
- Set separately by city manager
- Vehicle rule
- No parking in parks during closed hours
- Enforcement
- City park rangers, Sec. 38.19
Summary
Mountain View parks, tennis courts and parking areas close to the public a half hour after sunset and stay closed until 6:00 a.m. under City Code Sec. 38.13. Shoreline at Mountain View Park runs on separate hours the city manager sets by regulation, and vehicles cannot park anywhere in a park during closed hours.
a.No person, except a city employee or city contractor engaged in the performance of his or her duties, shall enter into, upon or remain in any city park, tennis court or parking area, except Shoreline at Mountain View Park, between one-half (½) hour after sunset of any day and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, without the written approval of the city manager, unless such person is attending a special event or a class authorized by the city manager, or attending or participating in any permitted or reserved activities at a city night-lighted park or tennis court.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 34 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Sec. the next day, except Shoreline at Mountain View Park. Exceptions apply to people attending a special event or a class authorized by the city manager, or participating in permitted or reserved activities at a night-lighted park or tennis court. Sec. 13(b) gives the city manager authority to set, by regulation, the hours during which Shoreline's lake, golf course, buildings, roads and grounds close to the public, and bars entry during those posted closed hours. Sec. window, except patrons using Shoreline's restaurant or conference facilities, people attending an authorized special event or class, or people using a designated parking area tied to a permitted night-lighted activity.
Sec. 13(d) authorizes the city manager to post signs warning of the curfew. The curfew backs the park permit system in Sec. 9: any nighttime activity has to be tied to a permit, reservation, or a city-authorized class to be lawful, and the park ranger position created under Sec. 19 is tasked with enforcing Chapter 38, including this curfew, at Shoreline and other city parks.
Violations & Fines
Entering or remaining in a Mountain View park, tennis court or parking area between a half hour after sunset and 6:00 a.m. without city-employee status, a permit, a reserved activity, or an authorized special event or class violates Sec. 38.13(a). Parking a vehicle in a park, parking area or recreation center during those same hours without qualifying for one of the listed exceptions violates Sec. 38.13(c). Park rangers, created under Sec. 38.19 with public officer status and arrest power, are tasked with enforcing this curfew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Mountain View parks close?
Can I park at a Mountain View park after hours?
Are there exceptions to the Mountain View park curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mountain View
California rules heatmap·Compare Mountain View to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle park curfew.