Charleston Code Chapter 24 on offenses against public order treats public urination and defecation as a public nuisance and disorderly conduct subject to citation, fines, and possible municipal jail time.
Public urination and defecation in Charleston are addressed under the city offenses against public order chapter and supporting state disorderly conduct statutes. Officers may issue citations or arrest people for relieving themselves on city sidewalks, alleys, parks, and parking facilities, with stricter response in the East End historic district and along Capitol Street. Penalties typically include municipal court fines and may carry up to 30 days in jail under state misdemeanor maximums. Charleston Police Department coordinates downtown patrol with bar and event area enforcement on weekends.
Urinating or defecating in public spaces can lead to a citation, fines in municipal court, and possible misdemeanor jail time under state disorderly conduct law.
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