Cary, NC Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor
- Covers
- Rights-of-way, sidewalks, parks
- Also covers
- Private property in public view
- Defense
- Owner's permission (private property)
- Adopted
- Ord. 2023-Code-01, 6-22-2023
Summary
The Town of Cary makes it a misdemeanor to urinate or defecate on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or outdoors in public view anywhere in town.
It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate on any public right-of-way, street, sidewalk, park, or other public building or facility or to urinate or defecate outdoors in view of the public on any property unless such urination or defecation is into an approved toilet facility provided for that purpose. Having the permission of the owner or person in lawful possession of the property shall constitute an affirmative defense to the charge of urinating or defecating on private property. In addition to, or in lieu of, any applicable civil penalties or other remedies, violation of this article shall constitute a misdemeanor. (Ord. No. 2023-Code-01, 6-22-2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Town of Cary Code § 22-82 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate on any public right-of-way, street, sidewalk, park, or other public building or facility, or to do so outdoors in view of the public on any property, unless directed into an approved toilet facility. On private property, having the owner's or lawful possessor's permission is an affirmative defense to the charge. Adopted by Ord. No. 2023-Code-01 (June 22, 2023), the Wake County town treats a violation as a misdemeanor in addition to any applicable civil penalties.
Violations & Fines
A misdemeanor under Sec. 22-82, in addition to any applicable civil penalties or other remedies available to the Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in Cary, NC?
Does this apply on private property?
Sources & Official References
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Public Urination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle public urination.