Public Conduct in King County, WA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of King County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Public Urination

Unincorporated King County bans public urination and defecation for anyone over 12, but only outside the county's urban growth boundary: a class 2 civil infraction enforced by the King County Sheriff.

King County Public Urination and Defecation Ban

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 12.58.010

It is unlawful for any person over twelve years old to intentionally urinate or defecate in a public place in the unincorporated portions of the county outside of the county's urban growth boundaries. B. For the purposes of this section, "public place" means an area generally visible to public view and includes, but is not limited to, streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, bike t...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Loud Party Ordinance

Unincorporated King County treats a loud house party as a public disturbance noise violation, and the person in possession of the property, not just whoever is making the racket, is liable.

King County Loud Party Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 12.86.410

It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise... Sounds that are public disturbance noises may include...5. Loud and raucous sound that emanates frequently, repetitively or continuously from any building, structure or property...located within a rural or residential district.....

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Loitering Rules

Unincorporated King County bans loitering or prowling when the circumstances signal an unlawful purpose or create real alarm for safety, not mere presence in public alone.

King County Loitering Rules

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 12.64.010

It is unlawful for any person to loiter or prowl in a place, at a time, or in a manner, and under circumstances that manifest an unlawful purpose or warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. Circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such unlawful purpose in manifested or such alarm is warranted include, but are not limited to, the following: fligh...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is banned on all King County Metro transit vehicles, bus shelters and transit property: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.

King County: No Smoking on Transit Property

Heavy Restrictions

King County Code § 28.96.010.B.1.a

...a person who commits one of the following acts in, on or in relation to transit property is guilty of a misdemeanor: 1.a. Smoking or carrying a lighted or smoldering pipe, cigar, cigarette or using an electronic smoking devices, while on or in a transit vehicle or while in or at a bus shelter or transit property or properties.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Public Alcohol Use

King County bans open containers and alcohol consumption in all unincorporated county park areas and marine facilities unless the parks director designates and posts an exception; being intoxicated in a park is also prohibited.

King County Parks Alcohol and Open-Container Ban

Significant Restrictions

King County Code § 7.12.285

A person shall not sell, open, or possess alcoholic beverages in an open container or consume any alcoholic beverage in a park area or associated marine area except in areas designated and posted by the director. Alcohol sales, possession, and consumption shall comply with Washington state laws and regulations. B. Entering or remaining in a park area or associated marine area while in a stat...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗