Pocatello, ID Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 12.36.020
- Park hours
- 6:00 AM to 1 hour after sunset
- After-hours presence
- Misdemeanor
- Exception
- Approved sporting/community events
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months jail
Summary
In the City of Pocatello, Municipal parks and public places are open from 6:00 AM until one hour after sunset, or other posted hours, under City Code section 12.36.020. Being in a City park outside those hours is a misdemeanor for anyone other than an authorized City employee or agent, unless attending an approved sporting event or community event.
The Municipally owned or operated parks and public places shall be open to the public between the hours of six o'clock (6:00) A.M. until one hour after sunset, or during such other hours as may be posted. The Parks and Recreation Director is hereby authorized to erect such signs as he may deem necessary to inform the public of the hours of operation. It shall be a misdemeanor for any person other than a duly authorized agent and/or authorized employee of the City to be present in the Municipal parks and public places except during those hours. Exception: City authorized sporting events and practices, and community events authorized in advance by the Mayor or Council may continue past the above closing times and participants and onlookers shall be allowed one hour after the close of the event to leave the park or other public place at which the event was held.
Full Breakdown
Section 12.36.020 of the Pocatello City Code fixes the daily window for using City parks and public places: six o'clock in the morning until one hour after sunset, or whatever other hours the Parks and Recreation Director posts on signs at the park. The director is authorized to erect the signs needed to inform the public of the operating hours. Outside those posted hours, it is a misdemeanor for anyone to be present in a Municipal park or public place unless they are a duly authorized City agent or employee.
The chapter carves out one exception: City authorized sporting events and practices, and community events the Mayor or Council approved in advance, may run past the normal closing time, and participants and onlookers get one extra hour after the event ends to leave the park or other public place where it was held. The rule sits inside chapter 12.36, Public Parks, which defines "park" broadly under section 12.36.010 to cover any Municipally owned or used park, playground, or recreation center, other than the Riverside and Highland Municipal Golf Courses, so the curfew reaches essentially every City-run outdoor recreation site in Pocatello, not just the named neighborhood parks. Enforcement runs through the general chapter penalty in section 12.36.140.
Violations & Fines
Being in a Pocatello park after posted closing hours without authorization is a misdemeanor under section 12.36.140, punishable under section 1.04.040 by a fine up to one thousand dollars, up to six months in the county jail, or both. Attending an approved sporting event or Mayor- or Council-authorized community event, and leaving within one hour after it ends, is not a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Pocatello city parks close?
Can I stay in the park late for a special event?
What is the penalty for being in a Pocatello park after hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pocatello
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