Public urination and defecation in Buffalo are prohibited under Buffalo Code Chapter 453 (Misdemeanors) and addressed through New York Penal Law disorderly conduct provisions, with citations issued by Buffalo Police especially in entertainment districts.
Buffalo Code Chapter 453 codifies local misdemeanors including public urination, often charged alongside NY Penal Law §240.20 disorderly conduct as a violation. Enforcement concentrates in Chippewa Street, Allentown, and Canalside entertainment districts following bar closing hours. Violators typically receive an appearance ticket returnable to Buffalo City Court, with fines commonly $100-$250 for first offenses. Repeat offenses or aggravating factors near schools or playgrounds can elevate charges. Convictions create a permanent local record but rarely require jail time. Buffalo has periodically expanded portable-restroom programs in entertainment districts to reduce incidents.
Urinating or defecating in public spaces, alleys, parks, or doorways within view of the public results in a misdemeanor citation, fines, and a court appearance.
See how Buffalo's public urination rules stack up against other locations.
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