Annapolis, MD Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 11.16.050
- Where covered
- Public property + visible from public
- Exception
- Designated public restrooms only
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Annapolis bans urinating or defecating on any public street, sidewalk, beach, dock, lot or building, or anywhere visible from public property, unless using a designated public restroom.
It is unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate on, from or upon any beach, public way, public street, public alley, public sidewalk, public dock, public lot, public building and any other public property, unless within proper facilities designated as public restrooms; or in any other place where the person may be seen from a public thoroughfare or public property.B.Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine or by imprisonment, or by both as established by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. O-5-04 § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. O-1-99 § 1 (part); Ord. O-6-92 § 1: Ord. O-22-86 § 1)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 11.16.050(A) makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate on, from or upon any beach, public way, public street, public alley, public sidewalk, public dock, public lot, public building, or other public property, unless inside proper facilities designated as public restrooms, or in any other place where the person may be seen from a public thoroughfare or public property. That last clause reaches private property too, if the act is visible from a public street or sidewalk. It's a misdemeanor under § 11.16.050(B), and the city's penalty schedule sets the fine at up to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail, or both.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, per the city's adopted municipal infraction fine schedule for § 11.16.050(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited on private property?
Is there any legal spot to go outdoors in Annapolis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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