Minneapolis, MN Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited act
- Urinating/defecating in public view
- Covers
- Streets, alleys, sidewalks, public buildings
- Exception
- Designated restrooms only
- Classification
- Misdemeanor
- Adopted
- Ordinance 2003-Or-125
Summary
Minneapolis makes it a misdemeanor to urinate or defecate anywhere the public could observe it, streets, alleys, sidewalks, or any building the public can enter, unless you're in a designated restroom.
Any person who urinates or defecates on any public street, alley, sidewalk or floor of any public building or of any building where the public gathers or has access, or in any other place, whether public or private, where such act could be observed by any member of the public, except in such place that has been designated as a restroom is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 227.180 criminalizes urinating or defecating on any public street, alley, sidewalk, or floor of any public building or building the public gathers in or has access to, plus any other place, public or private, where the act could be observed by a member of the public. The only exception is a place designated as a restroom. Minneapolis police enforce it as a straight misdemeanor offense, with no permit or warning process built into the section itself.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor, Minneapolis's most serious ordinance-violation class, enforced directly by police on observation: no prior notice is required before a citation issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in Minneapolis?
Is there any exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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