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Bellingham, WA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Prohibited act
urinating or defecating where observable
Classification
misdemeanor (default penalty)
Citation
BMC 10.24.020
Adopted
1993, Ord. 10439

Summary

Bellingham makes it unlawful to intentionally urinate or defecate somewhere the public can observe it: streets, sidewalks, parks, parking lots, and even parked cars all count as public places under BMC 10.24.020.

A. A person is guilty of urinating in public if they intentionally urinate or defecate in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, under circumstances where such act could be observed by any member of the public. B. As used in this section, a “public place” is an area generally visible to public view and includes streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parking lots, automobiles (whether moving or not), and buildings open to the general public.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

BMC 10.24.020 makes it unlawful to intentionally urinate or defecate in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, under circumstances where the act could be observed by any member of the public. The section defines 'public place' broadly: streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parking lots, automobiles whether moving or parked, and buildings open to the general public, plus their doorways and entrances. The section itself sets no penalty, so BMC 10.04.065's default applies: a misdemeanor unless a specific fine is prescribed. It dates to 1993 (Ord. 10439) and sits in Chapter 10.24, Offenses Against Public Order.

Violations & Fines

Default misdemeanor penalty applies under BMC 10.04.050, since 10.24.020 sets no penalty of its own: a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is public urination a crime in Bellingham?
Yes. BMC 10.24.020 makes it unlawful to intentionally urinate or defecate in a public place where the act could be observed, and it defaults to a misdemeanor penalty under BMC 10.04.050.
What counts as a 'public place' for this rule?
BMC 10.24.020 lists streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parking lots, parked or moving cars, and public buildings, including their doorways and entrances.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bellingham

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsPublic Marijuana UseSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseHeavy RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSome RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions

All Bellingham rules

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