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Redwood City, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Governing section: City Code § 21.17
Offense classification: Infraction (§ 21.18)
First-offense fine: Up to $100 (§ 1.7B)
Repeat-offense fine: Up to $200, then $500 (§ 1.7B)
Adopted: Ord. No. 2174, 7-26-1999

Summary

Redwood City makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in a public place, or any area of a public place, except into a toilet or urinal. Section 21.17 sets the outright ban, and Section 21.18 classifies a violation as an infraction with an escalating fine schedule.

Sec. 21.17. - URINATING AND DEFECATING IN PUBLIC PROHIBITED: It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate in a public place, or area of a public place, except into a toilet or a urinal. Sec. 21.18. - ENFORCEMENT-FINES AND PENALTY: Violation of the provisions of Section 21.17 of this Chapter shall be deemed an infraction which, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as specified in subsection 1.7B of this Code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Code: Supplement 29 | City Code: Supplement 61 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

17, adopted by Ordinance No. " There is no carve-out in the text for emergencies, intoxication, or lack of nearby restrooms; the only lawful place to relieve oneself in a public place is a toilet or urinal. 7(B) of the Code. 7(C). 00 and six months in jail.

Violations & Fines

Urinating or defecating anywhere in a public place other than into a toilet or urinal violates Section 21.17 and is charged as an infraction under Section 21.18. Fines escalate under the Code's general infraction schedule: up to $100.00 for a first offense, up to $200.00 for a second offense of the same provision within a year, and up to $500.00 for each further offense within that year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is public urination illegal in Redwood City?

Yes. Section 21.17 makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in a public place, or any area of a public place, except into a toilet or urinal, with no exception written into the ordinance for emergencies or lack of nearby facilities.

What is the fine for public urination in Redwood City?

It's charged as an infraction under Section 21.18, with fines set by the Code's general infraction schedule: up to $100.00 for a first violation, up to $200.00 for a second violation within a year, and up to $500.00 for each further violation in that same year.

Can I go to jail for public urination in Redwood City?

No. Section 21.18 classifies the offense as an infraction rather than a misdemeanor, so the Code's infraction fine schedule under Section 1.7(B) applies instead of the jail-eligible misdemeanor penalty used for other offenses in the same chapter.

Sources & Official References

[1]Redwood City Municipal Code, City Code §§ 21.17-21.18

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