Essex County, NJ Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 74-23.D, County Code
- Exception
- Designated enclosed restrooms only
- Max penalty
- $5,000 fine or 90 days jail
- Applies to
- All Essex County park property
Summary
Essex County bans urinating or defecating anywhere on county park property except in designated restrooms, washrooms or other enclosed facilities built for that purpose.
No person shall urinate or defecate in/on any County park or property except in designated restrooms, washrooms, bathrooms, or other structures designated for such use and enclosed from public view.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4440876; v14 updated 2025-08-13; through 08-13-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 74-23.D of the county's Sanitation article makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in or on any County park or property outside a designated restroom, washroom, bathroom or other structure set aside for that use and enclosed from public view. The rule sits alongside the chapter's other sanitation provisions covering water pollution, dumping and restroom upkeep in Essex County's park system, the first county park system in the nation. County Park Police and Sheriff's officers may eject violators, and unspecified Chapter 74 violations carry fines up to $5,000.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 74's park rules, unless separately penalized, carry up to a $5,000 fine, 90 days in county jail, or community service upon conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there exceptions for public urination in an Essex County park?
Who enforces this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Essex County
Compare Essex County to another location·View the New Jersey public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.