Monterey County, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 11.26.010
- Age threshold
- Applies to persons over 10 years old
- Geographic scope
- Unincorporated Monterey County
- Required mental state
- Willful and knowing conduct
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 months, § 1.20.040
- Also covers
- Private property without owner's consent
Summary
It is unlawful in unincorporated Monterey County for anyone over age ten to willfully and knowingly urinate or defecate in a public place outside a restroom, in a spot open to public view, or on someone else's private property without consent, under County Code Section 11.26.010.
It is unlawful for any person over the age of ten (10) years to willfully and knowingly urinate or defecate in a public place other than a restroom, or in a place open to public view, or upon the private property of another without the consent of the owner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
26 (Ord. 010 makes it unlawful for a person over the age of ten to 'willfully and knowingly' urinate or defecate in a public place other than a restroom, in a place open to public view, or on the private property of another without the owner's consent. The 'willfully and knowingly' language means the county must show the person understood what they were doing and where, not just that the act occurred. The age threshold means the ordinance by its own terms does not reach children ten and under, who would instead fall under other juvenile or parental-responsibility provisions if applicable.
020, was repealed by Ord. 3659 Section 8 in 1993, so it no longer sets its own fine schedule. 040, which makes any Code violation a misdemeanor by default unless it is classified as an infraction elsewhere or an officer or the District Attorney elects to charge it as an infraction. 26 does not name a different enforcing officer. As with other Title 11 offenses in this file, the chapter's text and its 'unincorporated territory' framing apply only outside the county's incorporated cities.
Violations & Fines
Because Section 11.26.020 was repealed, a violation defaults to the misdemeanor track under Section 1.20.040(A)-(B)(1): up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in the Monterey County Jail, or both. A District Attorney complaint or an officer's citation can instead charge the act as an infraction, punishable by escalating fines of $250, $500 and $1,000 for repeat offenses within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal everywhere in Monterey County?
What's the penalty for violating the public urination law?
Does the law apply to young children?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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