Anaheim, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- AMC Section 7.16.040
- Classification
- Misdemeanor
- Covered acts
- Urinating, defecating, discarding waste
- Exception
- Illness/infirmity preventing control
- Exception excludes
- Voluntary intoxication
Summary
Anaheim makes it a misdemeanor to urinate, defecate or dispose of human waste in any public place or place open to public view, outside of restrooms and other enclosed facilities. An exception exists for people who cannot control excretory functions due to illness or infirmity, but not for intoxication.
It is unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate or otherwise discard or dispose of human urine or excrement in any public place or any place open to the public or open to public view other than restrooms, bathrooms and other enclosed areas provided for normal human excretory functions.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
040, titled "Performing Excretory Function in Public," makes it unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate, or otherwise discard or dispose of human urine or excrement, in any public place or any place open to the public or open to public view, other than restrooms, bathrooms and other enclosed areas provided for normal human excretory functions. The section carves out a narrow medical exception: it does not apply to anyone who, because of an illness, infection, disease or other physical infirmity, is unable to control excretory functions.
The code specifically closes off the obvious loophole by stating that "physical infirmity" does not include loss of control brought on by the voluntary ingestion of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants, depressants or hallucinogens, meaning a person who is drunk or high cannot claim the medical exception. 16, Disorderly Conduct, alongside the city's open-container and public-nudity rules, all enforced by the Anaheim Police Department as public-order offenses. 040 is expressly classified one level higher.
Violations & Fines
Violation of Section 7.16.040 is a misdemeanor, a step up from the infraction-level open-container and container-possession offenses in the same chapter. Anaheim Police can arrest or cite a violator; the medical exception must be affirmatively established and does not cover impairment from voluntary alcohol or drug use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination a misdemeanor or infraction in Anaheim?
Is there any medical exception to Anaheim's public urination law?
Where does Anaheim's public urination ban apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
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Public Urination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle public urination.