Sonoma, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- SMC § 9.12.050
- Summer curfew (Apr-Oct)
- 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Winter curfew (Nov-Mar)
- 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Overlook Trail/Montini Preserve
- 6:00 a.m. to dusk
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 9.12.290
- Exception
- Permitted events, and pedestrian pass-through
Summary
City of Sonoma parks, buildings, plazas and recreation areas close to loitering between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from April through October, and between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November through March, under Sonoma Municipal Code § 9.12.050.
It is unlawful for any person to loiter or remain in any park, building, plaza or recreation area at any time between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the months of April, May, June, July, August, September and October. It is unlawful for any person to loiter or remain in any park, building, plaza or recreation area at any time between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the months of November, December, January, February and March.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025).
Full Breakdown
12 Public Park and Recreation Areas Regulations, makes it unlawful for any person to loiter or remain in any park, building, plaza or recreation area during set nighttime hours. , reflecting shorter winter daylight. The city council may post exceptions to these hours by motion or resolution at a specific site, and the curfew does not apply to functions or events operating under a permit issued by the parks and recreation commission, nor does it stop a pedestrian from walking through a park at night solely to reach a destination on the other side.
-to-dusk limit, with the fire chief authorized to close either area entirely during high fire danger. 160, who may eject anyone violating the curfew, and the rule dates to Ordinance 432 of 1971 as amended by Ordinance 91-8 in 1991 and Ordinance 86-8 in 1986.
Violations & Fines
Loitering or remaining in a City of Sonoma park, plaza, building or recreation area past curfew is a misdemeanor under § 9.12.290, punishable by a fine and/or penalty up to the California Penal Code maximum. Officers may also eject a violator from the property immediately under § 9.12.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Sonoma Plaza close at night?
Can I walk through a City of Sonoma park after curfew?
Does the curfew apply during a permitted festival in the park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle park curfew.