Cathedral City, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Section 11.08.100 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code is a single operative sentence in Chapter 11.08, Disorderly Conduct, within Title 11, Peace, Morals and Safety. It was adopted as Ordinance 89 in 1984 and carries no later amendment in its printed history. The rule has two location triggers. The first is private property in an area exposed to public view. The second is any public street, sidewalk, alley, park or other public place. Its only exception is a toilet receptacle within the structure of a restroom facility.

Because the section has no penalty clause, enforcement runs through the general provisions of the code. Section 1.01.205 makes it unlawful to violate any provision of the code and says a violator is guilty of an infraction unless the violation is specifically designated a misdemeanor. Section 13.65.050 then sets infraction fines at not more than one hundred dollars for a first violation, two hundred dollars for a second violation of the same provision within twelve months, and five hundred dollars for a third. A fourth violation of the same provision within twelve months is deemed a misdemeanor under § 13.70.020, and § 13.70.080 punishes a misdemeanor by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.

A code compliance officer or other authorized agent who finds an infraction or misdemeanor can also issue an administrative citation in lieu of a field citation or a criminal complaint (§ 13.58.010). Administrative fines under § 13.58.020 are capped at one hundred dollars for the first citation, two hundred dollars for a second within twelve months and five hundred dollars for a third and each later citation, or such amount as the City Council sets by resolution. Late fees of fifty percent apply from thirty-one to sixty days after the payment deadline and one hundred percent after sixty days, plus processing fees actually incurred by the city. Section 11.04.010 adds that nothing in Title 11 is intended to make punishable an act that state law prohibits.