City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter sets a nighttime curfew for children under sixteen, restricting their presence in public places and private business establishments during specified hours.

Who this affects

It affects children under sixteen, their parents or guardians, and the owners, managers, and employees of businesses or places of amusement open to the public.

Key rules

• Children under 16 may not remain in a public place or establishment after 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, or after 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, until 6:00 a.m. the following morning, unless accompanied by a parent.
• Parents may not permit a child under 16 to remain in a public place or establishment during those same curfew hours unless accompanied by the parent.
• Operators of establishments (and their agents or employees) may not knowingly permit a child under 16 to remain on the premises during curfew hours unless accompanied by a parent.
• "Parent" includes a natural parent, a guardian, or any adult over 21 responsible for the child's care, custody, and control.
• "Public place" includes public streets, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds, public buildings, and vacant lots in the city.

Penalties

Any parent or operator who violates the chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding six hundred dollars ($600.) or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both.

Notable and archaic details

• The ordinance was adopted in 1985 and has not been noted as amended.
• The curfew age threshold is set at sixteen, and the definition of "remain" includes loitering, idling, wandering, strolling, or playing.