Public Conduct in Pasco, WA (2026)
6 verified public conduct rules for Pasco, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Aggressive Panhandling
Pasco does not single out "aggressive" panhandling; it bans all panhandling on the premises of any retail, commercial, or food service business citywide, and the code itself calls panhandling a misdemeanor. A business can lift the ban on its own property only by posting a written notice permitting it.
Pasco's Ban on Business-Premises Panhandling
Significant RestrictionsPMC 9.35.010, 9.35.020
9.35.010 Panhandling defined. "Panhandling" as used in this chapter means to request or solicit of another person that they give money or anything of value for the private use of the person making the request. Panhandling is a misdemeanor. 9.35.020 Prohibited conduct. Panhandling is unlawful in or upon the premises of any retail, commercial or food service business in the City of Pasco.
Public Urination
Pasco makes urinating or defecating anywhere other than a washroom or toilet a criminal "lewd act" under PMC 9.25.030 whenever it happens where any member of the public could see it. It is a straight misdemeanor, no permit or warning first, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Pasco Charges Public Urination as Lewd Conduct
Heavy RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 9.25.030
(1) As used in this section a lewd act is: ... (d) Urination or defecation in a place other than a washroom or toilet room. (2) A person is guilty of lewd conduct if he or she intentionally performs any lewd act in a public place or at a place and under circumstance where such act could be observed by any member of the public. (3) This section is not applicable to: (a) Performances in a theater...
Skateboarding Rules
Pasco bans skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, and bicycles on tennis courts and stages in city parks outright, and can extend the ban to any other park area simply by posting a sign. Breaking the rule is a Class 3 civil infraction with a $50.00 default fine.
Pasco Park Skateboarding Restrictions
Light RestrictionsPMC 9.100.160
9.100.160 Skateboarding. Unless otherwise posted, it is unlawful to use skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, or bicycles on tennis courts and stages. It is unlawful to use skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, or bicycles in any other area of a park if so posted. Violation of any of the provisions of this section constitutes a Class 3 civil infraction.
Loitering Rules
Pasco bars loitering or prowling in a place, time, or manner unusual for law-abiding people when the circumstances suggest criminal intent or warrant alarm for safety. Officers must give the person a chance to explain before arresting.
Pasco Loitering Prohibition
Some RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 9.75.010
It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter or prowl in a place, at a time or in a manner not usual for law abiding individuals and under circumstances that either manifest the intent to commit an act or acts in violation of this title or that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity.
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Pasco bans smoking and tobacco use at Peanuts Park and the Farmers Market, and within 25 feet of any park shelter, playground, swimming pool, athletic field, or restroom. The city classifies these spots as public places under PMC 8.10.020.
Pasco Public Places Smoking Ban
Some RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 9.100.210
(1) Smoking, as defined by PMC 8.10.020 and tobacco use is prohibited within Peanuts Park and the Farmers Market as designated on Exhibit A. (2) Smoking and tobacco use is prohibited within 25 feet of the perimeter of all park shelters, playgrounds (including water playgrounds), swimming pools, athletic fields and restrooms. (3) Such places are specifically designated as public places as define...
Public Alcohol Use
Pasco makes it unlawful to open, possess, display, or consume liquor in any City park or recreation building without a current rental permit under PMC 9.40.020. Getting that permit means a state banquet permit, liability insurance, a cleanup deposit, and 50 percent higher rent, and violating the ban is a Class 3 civil infraction.
Pasco Bars Open Alcohol in City Parks
Significant RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 9.40.020
It is unlawful to open a package containing liquor, or to possess or display an open container of liquor or to consume liquor in any City park or recreation buildings, facility or structures within the City without a current rental permit issued by the City. ... (a) The applicant must produce evidence that he has a banquet permit from the Washington State Liquor Control Board; (b) Payment of re...
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