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Denver, CO Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Offense class
Class 2 offense (§ 1-14(b))
Maximum penalty
Up to 60 days in jail
Fine
No fine authorized
Covers
Any place open to public view
Enforced by
Denver Police, Denver Municipal Court

Summary

Denver makes it a Class 2 offense to urinate or defecate in any public way, publicly visible place, or place open to public view, punishable by up to 60 days in jail.

It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate in any public way or place which is public in nature or any place open to the public view.

(Code 1950, § 841.7; Ord. No. 513-17, § 6, 5-22-17)

State Law reference— Public indecency, C.R.S. 1973, 18-7-301; indecent exposure, C.R.S. 1973, 18-7-302.

Source: Denver Revised Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

Under Denver Revised Municipal Code § 38-99, it is unlawful to urinate or defecate in any public way, any place that is public in nature, or any place open to public view: covering streets, alleys, parks, and doorways alike. The offense is classified as a Class 2 offense under § 1-14(b), which caps punishment at up to 60 days in jail with no fine option; the court has no authority to reduce the sentence to a monetary penalty alone. Denver police and the Denver Municipal Court enforce the ban citywide, including downtown, along the Cherry Creek and South Platte River trails, and in neighborhoods with visible homelessness encampments.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 38-99 is a Class 2 offense: up to 60 days in jail, with no fine option under § 1-14(b); cited by Denver police citywide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be fined for public urination in Denver?
No. Sec. 38-99 is a Class 2 offense under § 1-14(b), which authorizes only jail time up to 60 days: the court cannot impose a fine for this offense alone.
Does the Denver ban apply on private property?
Yes, if the act happens in a place 'open to the public view,' even if the underlying property is private, per the plain text of § 38-99.

Sources & Official References

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All Denver rules

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