Petaluma, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- PMC §§ 13.28.190, 13.28.200
- Default closing hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Sign size minimum
- 1 square foot, 1/2-inch lettering
- Sign spacing (small parks)
- Every 150 feet
- Sign spacing (large parks)
- Every 300 feet
- Exceptions
- On-duty staff, permit holders
Summary
Petaluma parks that have been posted with closing-hour signs are off-limits between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., or another hour set by the city manager, except for on-duty peace officers, city employees, and permit holders authorized to use the park after hours.
It is unlawful for any person to enter or remain in a city park, whose closing times have been posted pursuant to Section 13.28.200, between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m. or such other time as is posted by the city manager. ... The signs posting closing hours shall be not less than one square foot in area and upon which, in lettering not less than one-half inch in height appear the words "ENTERING OR REMAINING IN THIS PARK BETWEEN 10:00 P.M. (OR OTHER DESIGNATED HOUR) AND 6:00 A.M. FORBIDDEN BY LAW P.M.C."
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2931 NCS, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
, or such other time as the city manager designates and posts. 200(A), a decision made to prevent destruction of public property, nuisance to nearby residents, or hazards to people using the park. M. M. " Parks must be posted at every corner, at intervals no greater than one hundred fifty feet for parks under three hundred fifty feet in any dimension, or at intervals no greater than three hundred feet for larger parks, plus at every defined entrance. Two exceptions apply to the closing-hour ban: any peace officer or city employee acting within the course of employment, and any person who has received a facility permit or other written authorization from the parks director to use the park after closing hours. 186 barring the release of fish or fowl without written permission, enforced as a misdemeanor with signs posted at the closing-hour locations.
Violations & Fines
Entering or remaining in a posted city park after closing hours, without falling into the on-duty employee or permit-holder exception, is a violation of the Petaluma Park Ordinance and is enforceable by city police as a park ordinance offense; a related violation, releasing fish or fowl in Lucchesi Park without written permission, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $75 to $500 or up to six months in county jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Petaluma city parks close?
Can I be in a Petaluma park after closing hours with a permit?
How is a Petaluma park's closing time posted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Petaluma
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Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle park curfew.