Harrisburg, PA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Section 6-313.2 sits in Chapter 6-313, Miscellaneous Health Hazards, of the Public Health Code, Title 6 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances. It prohibits the voiding of human urine or excrement on any street, sidewalk, public property or private property. The section lists no exceptions and draws no distinction by location, so a private yard is treated the same as a public sidewalk. The same chapter bans spitting on the floor of public buildings or buildings used for public assemblage and in buses or other public conveyances (§ 6-313.1), and § 6-313.8 bars sweeping or depositing paper, dirt, rubbish or other waste materials on streets or sidewalks.

Enforcement runs through the Health Officer. Section 6-103.1 makes the Health Officer or designee responsible for enforcing Title 6, and § 6-103.4 directs officers and inspectors of the Department of Building and Housing Development to refer conduct violations of the Public Health Code to the Health Officer for prosecution. Section 6-103.2 adds that the Health Officer also notes violations of any other ordinance or rule and informs the appropriate City officials.

Where a written notice to comply with the Public Health Code is issued, § 6-103.8 lets the person aggrieved request a hearing before the Board of Health within 15 days after service, on a form provided by the Codes Administrator and with a $200 filing fee, which an indigent person can seek to have waived. The Board decides in writing within 30 days of the hearing, and any appeal follows the Local Agency Law.