Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Roanoke

Roanoke, VA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

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

Key Facts

Citation
City Code § 24-91
Standard hours
Closed 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily
Market Square Park
Closed 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. instead (§ 24-93)
Penalty
Class 4 misdemeanor, fine up to $250 (§ 24-88)
Late-night exception
Permitted event under a § 24-92 special permit

Summary

Roanoke's public parks close every night at 11:00 p.m. and reopen at 6:00 a.m. It is unlawful to enter or remain in a park during those hours, though the code carves out passing through by vehicle without stopping, on-site caretakers, and police, health, fire or maintenance staff on duty.

(a)The public parks of the city shall be closed between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., daily, and unless otherwise specifically provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to enter or remain in any such park during those hours.(b)Subsection (a) of this section shall not prohibit passing through a public park, on a public thoroughfare, in a vehicle, without stopping, during the hours the parks are closed.(c)Any caretaker or authorized persons residing on public park premises shall be excepted from subsection (a) of this section only for their respective residences and adjacent areas and while traveling to and from their residences.(d)Subsection (a) of this section shall not prevent any police, health or fire officer or authorized caretaker or authorized maintenance personnel from entering into a public park at any time in discharge of their official duties.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 94 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 24-91 sets a uniform overnight closure for the city's park system, an 1956-code carryover still in force today. daily, and simply entering or staying in a park during that window is itself the offense, no additional misconduct is required. , but only within the dates, hours and specific park area named on that permit. , reflecting its use for outdoor dining, a public market and street vending. Article IV, which houses both sections, is supervised and enforced by the city manager's parks and recreation staff, who also write the rules governing day-to-day conduct in the parks under § 24-87.

Violations & Fines

Section 24-88 makes any violation of the parks article a Class 4 misdemeanor unless another penalty is specifically provided, carrying a fine of up to $250 with no jail exposure. Police can cite anyone found in a city park after 11:00 p.m. or before 6:00 a.m. without an applicable exception or a valid § 24-92 special use permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Roanoke's public parks close?
Roanoke parks close at 11:00 p.m. and reopen at 6:00 a.m. daily under City Code § 24-91. It is unlawful to enter or remain in a city park during those overnight hours unless an exception applies.
Can I drive through a park after closing?
Yes. Section 24-91(b) allows passing through a park on a public thoroughfare in a vehicle without stopping during closed hours; you just cannot stop, park or get out while the park is closed.
Does Market Square Park follow the same closing hours?
No. Market Square Park closes later, from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily, under the separate schedule set in § 24-93(b), reflecting its use for a public market, outdoor dining and street vending.
How can I legally be in a park after 11 p.m.?
You need a special park use permit issued under § 24-92, which specifies the exact dates, hours and park area covered. Without that permit, or without falling under one of the caretaker, staff or pass-through exceptions, remaining in a park past 11 p.m. is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Roanoke

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsJuvenile CurfewSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Roanoke rules

Compare Roanoke to another location·View the Virginia curfew laws overview

Get notified when Park Curfew in Roanoke, VA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.