Edmonds, WA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Classified as
- Unlawful public exposure
- Standard penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/90 days
- If minor under 14 present
- Gross misdemeanor, up to $5,000/1 year
- Requires
- Intentional act in a public place
Summary
Edmonds treats public urination or defecation outside a restroom as a form of unlawful public exposure under ECC 5.38.010(H)(4) and 5.38.030, a misdemeanor that becomes a gross misdemeanor if committed in view of a child under 14.
H. “Unlawful public exposure” means: ... 4. A public exposure consisting of masturbation, or of urination or defecation in a place other than a restroom or other toilet facility. ... 5.38.030 Unlawful public exposure. It is unlawful for any person to intentionally commit any act constituting unlawful public exposure of his person or the person of another. Unlawful public exposure is a misdemeanor unless such person exposes himself to a person under the age of 14 years, in which case the offense is a gross misdemeanor.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4444, passed August 3, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010(E) as anywhere the general public has a right to be present or any area open to public view, whether or not a fee is charged, covering streets, parks, businesses and beaches alike. 040, separately makes it unlawful for the owner or operator of any public place to knowingly permit unlawful exposure on the premises. 050, covering expressive dance, theatrical performances, educational classes, and locker-room nudity, do not reach urination or defecation, since those exceptions apply to nudity-based conduct rather than the elimination-specific language of subsection (H)(4). 030.
Violations & Fines
Public urination or defecation outside a restroom is a misdemeanor under ECC 5.38.030, punishable under the general penalty at ECC 5.50.020 by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail. If the act is exposed to a person under 14 years old, it becomes a gross misdemeanor, raising the maximum penalty to a $5,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail under ECC 5.50.020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in Edmonds?
Does the penalty change if a child sees the act?
What counts as a public place for this offense in Edmonds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edmonds
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Public Urination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle public urination.