Peoria, IL Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code Sec. 20-121(a)(2)
- Covered locations
- Anywhere conduct is reasonably visible to others
- Exception
- Urinals, commodes, similar restroom facilities
- Adopted
- Code 1957 § 22-23; amended 2005 by Ord. 15847
- Related offense
- Sec. 20-121(a)(1) indecent exposure
Summary
Peoria's indecency ordinance, Code Sec. 20-121, makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in a public place outside a restroom, or to expose private body parts attempting to do so. "Public place" means anywhere the conduct could reasonably be expected to be viewed by others.
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to perform any of the following acts in a public place in the city, provided that subsection (a)(1) of this section shall not apply to performers in theatrical productions or adult uses licensed pursuant to article III of chapter 18:...(2)Intentionally urinate or defecate except in urinals or commodes of public restrooms or similar facilities or to expose a person's private body parts in an attempt to urinate or defecate in public places other than public restrooms or similar facilities.(b)"Public place," for purposes of this section, means any place which the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by others.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 119).
Full Breakdown
Section 20-121, "Indecency," bars two categories of conduct in a public place within the city. Subsection (a)(1) prohibits knowingly exposing sexual organs, the mature female breast below the areola, or the buttocks, with an express carve-out for breastfeeding infants and licensed theatrical or adult-use performers under Article III of Chapter 18. Subsection (a)(2), the provision governing public urination and defecation, makes it unlawful to intentionally urinate or defecate anywhere other than a urinal, commode or similar restroom facility, or to expose private body parts while attempting to do so in a public place.
Subsection (b) defines "public place" broadly as any place where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by others, which extends the ban beyond streets and parks to alleys, parking lots, or any outdoor space visible to passersby, not just areas formally designated as public property. The section originates in Code 1957, § 22-23, and was amended by Ord. No. 15847 in 2005. It sits in Article V, Division 1 of Chapter 20, "Offenses Against Morals," alongside Sec. 20-122's ban on live sex act businesses. Violations are prosecuted under the Code's general penalty schedule at Sec. 1-5 since Sec. 20-121 does not set its own separate fine amount.
Violations & Fines
Intentionally urinating or defecating outside a restroom facility in any place where the conduct could reasonably be viewed by others, or exposing private body parts in the attempt, violates Sec. 20-121(a)(2) and is punishable under the general penalty provisions of Sec. 1-5 of the Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination a separate crime from indecent exposure in Peoria?
Does the ban apply on private property?
What is the penalty for violating Sec. 20-121?
Sources & Official References
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