Des Moines, IA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Des Moines Municipal Code § 70-182
- Covered locations
- Streets, alleys, sidewalks, skywalk bridges/corridors
- Exception
- Private or designated public restrooms only
- Penalty
- Simple misdemeanor fine, Iowa Code § 903.1
- Enforced by
- Des Moines Police Department
Summary
Des Moines makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate on any street, alley, sidewalk, or skywalk bridge or corridor open to public view; the ban doesn't apply to private restrooms or public restrooms designated for that purpose.
It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, skywalk bridge, skywalk corridor or other place open to public view, provided that this section shall not apply to private restrooms or public facilities designated for such purpose.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Municipal Code § 70-182, no person may urinate or defecate in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, skywalk bridge, skywalk corridor, or other place open to public view anywhere within Des Moines city limits. The exception covers private restrooms and public facilities built for that purpose: a public park bush or parking garage stairwell doesn't count. Des Moines police enforce the section directly; where officers don't cite it specifically, the code's general penalty clause (§ 1-15) makes any unspecified violation a simple misdemeanor under Iowa Code § 903.1(1)(a). West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Clive, Windsor Heights, and Pleasant Hill each enforce their own separate city codes.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 70-182 is a simple misdemeanor under the code's general penalty section, punishable by a fine under Iowa Code § 903.1(1)(a); each incident is charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in Des Moines?
Does the ban apply outside city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
Compare Des Moines to another location·View the Iowa public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.