Portland, OR Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- Any Portland city park
- Exception
- Public restroom or toileting facility
- Bodily discharge
- Waste receptacles only
- Related rule
- Pedestrian plazas, § 17.43.040
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
Portland bans urinating or defecating anywhere in a city park except inside a public restroom fixture or a facility built for toileting; even bodily discharge must go in a waste receptacle.
No person may urinate or defecate in any park except in a fixture within a public restroom or a facility specifically designed for toileting purpose. No person may leave any bodily discharge in a park, except in waste receptacles designed for that disposal purpose.
Full Breakdown
Portland City Code § 20.12.030, in the Parks and Recreation Bureau's Prohibited Conduct chapter, bans urinating or defecating in any city park outside a public restroom fixture or dedicated toileting facility, and bars leaving any bodily discharge except in a waste receptacle. A parallel ban under § 17.43.040 covers the city's pedestrian plazas, requiring use of a designated convenience station. Portland has no separate citywide ordinance banning public urination on ordinary streets or sidewalks: outside parks and plazas, enforcement falls to general nuisance or state disorderly-conduct law.
Violations & Fines
Violates City Code § 20.12.030; punishable under § 1.01.110 by a fine up to $500, up to 6 months jail, or both, with each day a separate offense. Park Rangers and Portland Police enforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination illegal in Portland parks?
Does the ban cover Portland streets and sidewalks generally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Public Urination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle public urination.