Yorba Linda, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 12.20.080 sets the general rule that all City parks are open for public use from sunrise to sunset. Parks equipped with lighting for nighttime activities are the exception: their hours are instead set by written policies and standards the City adopts under Section 12.24.050(J), which governs use of Yorba Linda's recreation facilities, so a lighted park or sports field can legally stay open later than sunset under those separate rules. Section 12.20.070 lets the City Manager, though it is not required, post specific park areas with signs giving notice of the hours and other prohibitions found in Section 12.20.020, including the subsection H bar on entering a park at a time or on a day when a legible posted sign prohibits entry.

The City Manager, City police, and City-designated Parks and Recreation Department employees have authority under Section 12.20.060 to eject from any park or trail a person acting in violation of Sections 12.20.010 through 12.20.060, which would include remaining in a park after its posted closing time. Because Chapter 12.20 does not carry its own stated fine, violating the park hours rule is enforced under the City's general penalty, Section 1.12.010, allowing a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, with the City Attorney able to charge the conduct as a misdemeanor or a lesser infraction and each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department, which provides contract police service to Yorba Linda, and Parks and Recreation staff patrol City parks and trails to enforce the closing-time rule alongside other conduct violations such as unauthorized fires and alcohol consumption.