Philly Code 10-602 prohibits public urination and defecation on streets, sidewalks, parks, and other public places. First offenses are summary citations with fines, but repeat or aggravated incidents can escalate to disorderly conduct under Pennsylvania law.
Philadelphia Code 10-602 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate on any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, parking lot, or other public place. The ordinance was strengthened during early-2000s Center City revitalization to give officers a tool short of disorderly-conduct arrest. Officers usually issue a Code Violation Notice with a fine; persistent or aggravated cases (in front of a school, near a child, after a refusal to move) can be charged under 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 5503 disorderly conduct. Philadelphia maintains some public restrooms in transit hubs and parks, and bars and restaurants are not legally required to provide restroom access to non-customers.
First-offense violation of 10-602 is a summary citation, typically $50–$300 fine plus court costs. Aggravated cases can be charged as disorderly conduct under 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 5503, a summary or third-degree misdemeanor depending on circumstances.
Philadelphia, PA
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See how Philadelphia's public urination rules stack up against other locations.
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