Nashua's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Nashua, New Hampshire, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Public Urination

Nashua bans urinating or defecating in any public place outside facilities meant for that purpose, enforceable citywide under the general penalty ordinance.

Key details: Governing section: § 225-5. Scope: Any public place, citywide. Exception: Public facilities meant for that purpose. Max fine: Up to $1,000 per day. Adopted: October 14, 2003.

Fine up to $1,000 and/or citation under § 1-12; each day of continuing violation is a separate offense.

Public Alcohol Use

Nashua bans consuming alcohol on any street or sidewalk in the city; licensed open-air cafes are the only exception, and violations bring up to a $1,000 fine.

Key details: Where banned: Any street or sidewalk. Penalty: Fine up to $1,000. Exception: Licensed open-air cafes only. Governing section: Ch. 83, § 83-1.

Violating § 83-1 is punishable under the Code's general penalty, § 1-12: a fine of up to $1,000, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Nashua takes a harder line on public alcohol use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Skateboarding Rules

Nashua bans skateboards, roller blades and similar wheeled devices on Main Street business-district sidewalks and in a list of named downtown public places, backed by a $25 fine.

Key details: Banned zone: Main Street business district. Also banned: Listed downtown public places. Max fine: $25. Enforced by: Nashua Police Department. Bicycles: Covered separately, not this rule.

Any police officer who observes a violation may issue a citation; conviction carries a fine of not more than $25 under § 98-12.

Compared to other cities, Nashua takes a harder line on skateboarding rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Loitering Rules

Nashua bars loitering in city parks and on conservation land during set overnight hours, as early as 9 p.m. at some parks, a 10 p.m. default citywide, enforced by the Park Superintendent and Nashua Police.

Key details: Named-park curfew: 9 p.m.–6 a.m.. Default city park curfew: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.. Conservation land curfew: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.. Exceptions granted by: Park Superintendent. General penalty cite: City Code § 1-12.

Violating either curfew is punishable as provided in City Code § 1-12, per § 215-3; the Park Superintendent and Nashua Police enforce compliance and can order violators to leave.

The Bottom Line

Nashua is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Nashua, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Nashua's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.