Benton County, WA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Penalty
- civil infraction, up to $100 fine
- Governing section
- BCC 6.30.020
- Public place definition
- streets, parks, parked cars, open buildings
- Age exception
- 5 years old or younger
- Medical exception
- verified medical condition
- Enacted
- Ordinance 517 (2011)
- Coverage area
- unincorporated Benton County only
Summary
Benton County Code 6.30.020 makes it a civil infraction, capped at a $100 fine, for anyone to urinate in a public place in unincorporated Benton County outside an enclosed restroom, bathroom or similar structure. The chapter carves out exceptions for young children, verified medical conditions and situations with no reasonable alternative location.
URINATING IN A PUBLIC PLACE. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to urinate in a public place other than when using a toilet, urinal, or commode located in a restroom, bathroom, or other similar structure enclosed from public view. [Ord. 517 (2011)] 6.30.030 EXCEPTIONS. (a) It shall not be a violation of this chapter if: (1) the person is five (5) years of age or younger; (2) the person is unable to adequately control their bodily functions due to a verified medical condition; (3) the person's conduct amounts to indecent exposure under RCW 9A.88.010; (4) no reasonable alternative existed for the person with respect to the location of the urination. [Ord. 517 (2011)] 6.30.040 VIOLATIONS - PENALTIES. The violation of any provision of this chapter shall be a civil infraction punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed a one hundred (100) dollar fine.
Full Breakdown
010 defines "public place" broadly as "an area generally visible to public view," expressly including streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parking lots, automobiles whether moving or parked, and buildings or dwellings open to the general public along with their doorways, entrances, and enclosing grounds. 010, which is prosecuted separately under that statute rather than this chapter; or no reasonable alternative existed for the person given the location. 040 fixes the penalty as a civil infraction, not a criminal charge, punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars.
050 sets the chapter's effective date as the date of its passage and adoption in 2011. Because Washington counties govern only unincorporated territory, this chapter reaches unincorporated Benton County; Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and Prosser enforce their own municipal codes on public urination within city limits.
Violations & Fines
A violation of BCC 6.30.020 is a civil infraction under BCC 6.30.040, carrying a civil penalty capped at one hundred dollars rather than a criminal misdemeanor. Officers document the location as a "public place" under the BCC 6.30.010 definition and confirm none of the four BCC 6.30.030 exceptions, such as a verified medical condition or the person's young age, applies before issuing the infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination a crime in Benton County?
What counts as a "public place" under Benton County's urination ordinance?
Are there any exceptions to Benton County's public urination rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
Compare Benton County to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.