Public Conduct in Kennewick, WA (2026)
4 verified public conduct rules for Kennewick, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Public Urination
Kennewick makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally urinate or defecate anywhere in public other than a washroom or toilet room. The ban, KMC 10.06.095, sits in the public morals chapter's broad definition of "public place," reaching streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks and any building open to the general public.
Kennewick Public Urination and Defecation Ban
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 10.06.095 (Ord. 2963 Sec. 2, 1986)
A person is guilty of urinating or defecating in a public place if he intentionally urinates or defecates in a public place other than in a washroom or toilet room.
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Kennewick bans smoking and vaping within 20 feet of any playground or tot-lot in a city park, a class 3 infraction. Citywide, the Indoor Clean Air Ordinance also bars smoking within a presumptively reasonable 25-foot buffer of entrances, exits, open windows and vents of any enclosed public place or workplace.
Kennewick Smoking Ban Near Park Playgrounds
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 10.08.040(2)(h) (Ord. 25-6131, Sec. 1, 2025; Ord. 25-6093, Sec. 1, 2025; Ord. 5960, Sec. 1, 2021; Ord. 2855, Sec. 2, 1984; Ord. 2089, Sec. 2(part), 1977)
(2)Rules Governing Use of City Parks and Facilities-Violation an Infraction. Any person violating any of the below noted provisions shall have committed a class 3 infraction. ... (h)Tobacco products, including vaping, use is not permitted within 20 feet of park playgrounds and tot-lots.
Public Marijuana Use
Kennewick bans opening a marijuana package or consuming marijuana, useable marijuana, marijuana-infused products or concentrates in view of the general public, treating it as a class 3 civil infraction.
Kennewick Public Marijuana Consumption Ban
Significant RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code Sec. 9.32.020(4) (Ord. 6025 Sec. 1, 2023; Ord. 6016 Sec. 2, 2023; Ord. 5917 Sec. 1, 2021; Ord. 5908 Sec. 1, 2021; Ord. 5893 Sec. 2, 2021; Ord. 5510 Sec. 1, 2013; Ord. 5475 Sec. 2, 2012; Ord. 5336 Sec. 2, 2011; Ord. 5169 Sec. 1, 2007; Ord. 3955 Sec. 1, 2001; Ord. 3924 Sec. 1, 2000; Ord. 3881 Sec. 1, 1999; Ord. 3790 Sec. 1, 1998; Ord. 3433 Sec. 1, 1993; Ord. 3060 Sec. 1, 1987; Ord. 2504 Sec. 1 (part), 1980; Ord. 2089 Sec. 2 (part), 1977)
(4)It is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana, useable marijuana, marijuana-infused products, or marijuana concentrates, or consume marijuana, useable marijuana, marijuana-infused products, or marijuana concentrates in view of the general public. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 3 civil infraction under KMC 1.12.030(3) and Chapter 7.80 RCW, not including statut...
Public Alcohol Use
Kennewick makes it a civil infraction, not a crime, to open a package of liquor or drink it in any public place inside city limits. KMC 10.16.051 caps the fine at $500 and lets police cite offenders on the spot rather than book them, unless another law specifically allows the drinking.
Kennewick Bans Open Containers in Public
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 10.16.051 (Ord. 5057 Sec. 20, 2004; Ord. 2857 Sec. 4(part), 1984)
10.16.051: - Opening or Consuming Liquor in a Public Place. Except as otherwise permitted by law, no person may open the package containing liquor or consume liquor in any public place. A violation of this section is a civil infraction and subject to a civil penalty up to $500.00. (Ord. 5057 Sec. 20, 2004; Ord. 2857 Sec. 4(part), 1984)
Looking for Benton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kennewick city rules.
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