Lincoln, NE Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited conduct
- Urinating or defecating on public/visible property
- Restroom exception
- Doesn't apply to designed restroom use
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail
- Enacted
- Ordinance 16119, May 26, 1992
Summary
Lincoln makes it a misdemeanor to urinate or defecate on any public or private property that's open or visible to the public, with an exception for using a restroom as designed.
It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate on a public street, alley, or any other property, public or private, open to or visible to the public. This section shall not apply to urinating or defecating in any restroom facility in a manner for which that facility was designed.
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 9.16.210 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate on a public street, alley, or any other property, public or private, that's open or visible to the public. The ban doesn't apply to using a restroom facility as it was designed. Lincoln Police enforce the offense as a Chapter 9.16 public-decency violation; because the section carries no penalty of its own, it falls under the citywide default in § 1.24.010: a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in the county jail, a fine up to $500, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under the citywide general penalty, § 1.24.010: up to six months in the county jail, a fine up to $500, or both, each day of violation counted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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