Los Angeles, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- LAMC § 41.47.2 (added Ord. No. 175,626, eff. 12/16/03)
- Prohibited locations
- Public streets, sidewalks, alleys, plazas, beaches, parks, public buildings, and any place open to or visible from the public
- Exception
- Enclosed restroom or enclosed portable toilet designed for waste disposal
Summary
LAMC § 41.47.2 prohibits urinating or defecating on any public street, sidewalk, alley, plaza, beach, park, or other publicly maintained place, or anywhere open to or visible from the public, except in an enclosed restroom or properly enclosed portable toilet.
No person shall urinate or defecate in or upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, plaza, beach, park, public building or other publicly maintained facility or place, or in any place open to the public or exposed to public view, except when using a urinal, toilet or commode located in a restroom, or when using a portable or temporary toilet or other facility designed for the sanitary disposal of human waste and which is enclosed from public view.
Full Breakdown
The sole exception is use of a urinal, toilet, or commode in a restroom, or a portable or temporary toilet that is both designed for sanitary disposal of human waste and enclosed from public view. The prohibition covers all outdoor public spaces, including beaches and parks, and any privately accessible area exposed to public view. No specific penalty is stated in this section; general Code penalties under LAMC § 11.00 apply.
Violations & Fines
Violation is subject to the general penalty provisions of LAMC § 11.00 (misdemeanor or infraction).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in Los Angeles?
Does this apply to private property visible from the street?
Are portable toilets allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Public Urination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle public urination.