Coeur d'Alene, ID Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Section 9.12.010 of the Coeur d'Alene Municipal Code, in the chapter titled Obscene Conduct, prohibits urinating or defecating in three kinds of places: on public property, on a public right of way, and on private property open to public view. The third category matters because a private location gets no protection when it is open to public view. The test in the text is visibility from the public, not ownership. The single exception is restrooms and facilities provided for such purpose, so a restroom or similar facility built for the use is the only lawful place.

The section carries no warning step, distance rule or intent element. Its text says it shall be unlawful for any person to do the act, so the conduct itself is the violation.

Neighboring sections in chapter 9.12 cover related conduct. Section 9.12.020 bars looking, peering or peeping into a window or aperture of a building occupied as a residence or place of lodging of another with the intent of observing any person undressed, or in the act of dressing or undressing, or with other lewd, lustful, lascivious or voyeuristic intent. Section 9.12.030 makes it unlawful to wilfully expose genitals in any public place, or in any place where another person is present who is offended or annoyed. Those are separate sections with their own elements. Section 8.36.120 separately makes it unlawful to expectorate or spit upon any sidewalk, vehicle, building, room used for public assemblies, or person. Disorderly conduct under section 9.22.010 covers offensive conduct in a public place.