Rochester, NY Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Summer hours closed
- 11 p.m.-5 a.m., Apr 1-Nov 15
- Winter hours closed
- 10 p.m.-7 a.m., Nov 16-Mar 31
- Who may enter after hours
- Staff or written Commissioner permission
- Enforcing body
- Municipal Code Violations Bureau
- First-offense fine
- $25 ($50 if defaulted)
Summary
Rochester's parks close overnight under City Code § 79-2C: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the summer season (April 1 through November 15) and 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. during the winter season (November 16 through March 31). Only authorized employees or people with the Commissioner of Recreation and Human Services' written permission may be in a park while it's closed.
Unless otherwise authorized by the Commissioner and notice is given by the posting of signs at the parks, the parks shall be closed from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. during the summer season, and from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. during the winter season; and no persons except authorized employees or persons with written permission from the Commissioner shall enter or remain in said parks while closed. The summer season shall be from April 1 until November 15, and the winter season shall be from November 16 until March 31.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4935326; v86 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 79, the Parks Code, sets park hours in § 79-2C. during the winter season, November 16 through March 31. The section bars entry to "no persons except authorized employees or persons with written permission from the Commissioner," so the default rule reaches ordinary visitors as well as anyone lingering after closing, not just people who entered unlawfully. " Violations of the park curfew, like other Chapter 79 offenses, are heard by the Municipal Code Violations Bureau under § 79-26, which applies the penalties in § 13A-11 of the Municipal Code, the same $25/$35/$65 first-through-third-offense schedule (doubling on default) used for other Rochester ordinance violations, and a court may additionally order reparation to the City for any park damage caused by the violator under § 79-26B.
Violations & Fines
Being in a Rochester park after its posted closing time, without Commissioner authorization or written permission, is a Chapter 79 violation heard by the Municipal Code Violations Bureau under § 79-26. Penalties follow § 13A-11's general schedule: $25 for a first offense ($50 if defaulted), $35 for a second ($70 defaulted) and $65 for a third or subsequent offense ($130 defaulted), plus possible reparation for park damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
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