Sacramento County, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 9.78.010
- Penalty section
- § 9.78.020, via § 1.01.190
- Classification
- Misdemeanor
- Maximum fine
- $1,000
- Maximum jail term
- 6 months, county jail
- Enacted
- 1977 (SCC 303)
- Each day violated
- Counted as separate offense
Summary
Sacramento County Code § 9.78.010 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in a public place other than a restroom, in view of others, or on another person's property without consent. Section 9.78.020 sets the violation as a misdemeanor, exposing offenders to a fine up to $1,000, six months in county jail, or both.
§ 9.78.010. Unlawful Conduct. It is unlawful for any person to 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 owner's consent. § 9.78.020. Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in Section 1.01.190.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941150; v18 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
010: urinating or defecating in a public place other than a restroom, doing so in any place open to public view even if not technically public, and doing so on the private property of another without the owner's consent. 190, the county code's general penalty section, which sets a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or both, and counts each day a violation continues as a separate offense. 04, Notice to Appear: if the arresting officer does not take the person immediately before a magistrate, the officer prepares a written notice listing the person's name and address, the offense charged, and a court date at least five days later.
070, regardless of how the original citation is resolved. 78 carves out restrooms that are closed, unavailable, or under maintenance, and consent from the property owner is the only listed defense to the private-property branch of the offense.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 9.78.010 is a misdemeanor under § 9.78.020, carrying a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, under the general penalty in § 1.01.190. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Anyone cited who is not taken before a magistrate must sign a written promise to appear under Chapter 1.04; breaking that promise is a separate misdemeanor under § 1.04.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in unincorporated Sacramento County?
What is the maximum penalty for public urination in Sacramento County?
Does the ban apply on private property?
Can I be arrested on the spot for a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.