North Hempstead, NY Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted
- April 4, 2023 (L.L. No. 7-2023)
- Fine range
- $25 to $250 (§43-2)
- Max jail term
- 15 days (§43-2)
- Covers
- parks, gardens, docks, all public places
- Exception
- public or private toilet/restroom
Summary
North Hempstead's Chapter 43, adopted in April 2023, makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in any public place, including Town parks, gardens and docks, unless you're using a public or private toilet or restroom. A violation draws a fine of $25 to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.
No person may defecate or urinate in any public place, as such term is defined in Subdivision 1 of § 240.00 of the Penal Law, and acts amendatory thereto, including in any public park, garden or dock, except in a public or private toilet or restroom.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4892187; v82 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 43-1 was added by Local Law No. 7-2023 on April 4, 2023, creating a new Chapter 43, 'Regulation of Public Spaces.' It borrows its definition of 'public place' directly from Subdivision 1 of § 240.00 of the New York Penal Law, and explicitly names Town parks, gardens and docks as covered locations, though the ban is not limited to those sites since it applies to any public place as the Penal Law defines the term. The only carve-out is for use of an actual public or private toilet or restroom. Because the Town's ordinary jurisdiction only reaches the unincorporated area outside its roughly thirty incorporated villages, this chapter governs Town-owned and Town-maintained public spaces and unincorporated streets, not property inside a separately incorporated village, which enforces its own local law on the same conduct.
Violations & Fines
Section 43-2 punishes any violation with a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $250, imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Hempstead
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