Kirkland, WA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

20, Offenses Against Public Morals, the same chapter that bans lewd acts and public display of sexually explicit material. The urination section reaches two situations: relieving yourself anywhere other than a washroom or toilet room, and doing so anywhere a member of the public could observe it, so a fenced backyard is not automatically safe if it is visible from a sidewalk or neighboring property. 010(c) applies the city's default misdemeanor punishment: up to ninety days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

080, Facilitating Offense, makes it unlawful for any owner, lessee, manager or operator of a public place to knowingly permit an offense under this chapter, including public urination, to occur on the premises, and that failure is itself a separate misdemeanor. 050, which carries an affirmative defense for conduct with genuine artistic, political or scientific value, the urinating-in-public section carries no built-in defense; intent is the only element the city must prove beyond the act occurring in a public or publicly observable place. The prohibition applies citywide, covering sidewalks, streets, alleys, transit stops and any other public right-of-way within Kirkland's boundaries.