SDMC §54.0110 prohibits urinating or defecating on public property, sidewalks, parks, or any place visible to the public. Violations are infractions citable on sight; California Penal Code §647(d) applies to repeat or aggravated cases.
Under SDMC §54.0110, no person may urinate or defecate on any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, beach, plaza, or other place open to public view, except in a designated restroom facility. The rule applies even on private property if visible from public space. SDPD officers issue an infraction citation on first contact. California Penal Code §647(d) covers loitering in a public toilet for unlawful purpose; aggravated public-conduct cases may be charged as misdemeanors. The city has expanded public restroom access in downtown and beach areas to reduce enforcement need. Violations contribute to nuisance hot-spot designations.
Public urination is an infraction with fines up to $250 plus a mandatory court appearance for repeat offenses. Aggravated violations or refusal to identify can be elevated to misdemeanor under Penal Code §647 with possible jail time.
San Diego, CA
SDMC §59.5 (Loud or Unruly Gathering Ordinance) authorizes police to declare a party unruly and impose progressive cost-recovery fees on hosts and property o...
San Diego, CA
SDMC §43.1003 makes San Diego one of the strongest US smoke-free cities, banning smoking on beaches, in parks, at outdoor dining, transit stops, and within 2...
See how San Diego's public urination rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.