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Philadelphia, PA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Offense class
Class III offense
In-lieu payment
$50 within 8 days
Where prohibited
Right-of-way, transit, private property
Enforcement
Ticket issued under § 10-1606

Summary

Philadelphia Code § 10-609 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate on any public right-of-way, transit platform or passageway, or private property open to the public, or on any private property without the owner's permission.

It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate on any public right-of-way, underground platform or concourse, elevated platform serving public transportation facilities, underground or elevated passageways used by the public, railroad or railway passenger stations or platforms, or on the steps leading to any of them, or on any private property used to accommodate the public, or on any private property without the permission of the owner.

Source: Philadelphia Code 10-602View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under Philadelphia Code § 10-609, it's a Class III offense to urinate or defecate on any public right-of-way, underground or elevated transit platform, passageway, railroad station, or on private property used to accommodate the public, or on any other private property without the owner's permission. Officers authorized to enforce city ordinances can issue a ticket on the spot under § 10-1606. Anyone ticketed can pay $50 within eight days to resolve the citation without contesting it; otherwise the case goes to the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, where fines run up to the Class III maximum set in § 1-109.

Violations & Fines

Urinating or defecating in a public right-of-way, transit facility, or private property without permission is a Class III offense: pay $50 within 8 days or face fines up to the Class III maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is public urination illegal in Philadelphia?
Yes. Code § 10-609 bans it on public rights-of-way, transit platforms and passageways, and on private property without the owner's consent.
How much is the fine?
Pay $50 within 8 days of the ticket to resolve it, or face a fine up to the Class III maximum set in § 1-109.

Sources & Official References

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