Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Spokane Valley

Spokane Valley, WA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

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

Key Facts

Prohibited act
Intentional urination/defecation in public
First offense
Civil infraction, up to $100 fine
Second+ offense
Misdemeanor
Location scope
Any place observable by the public
Adopted
Ord. 46 § 54, 2003

Summary

Spokane Valley fines a first offense of intentionally urinating or defecating in public up to $100 as a civil infraction, then charges every later offense as a criminal misdemeanor.

Any person who intentionally urinates or defecates in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, or at a place and under circumstances where such act could be observed by any member of the public, shall be guilty of a civil infraction, with the fine not to exceed $100.00 for a first offense. For second and subsequent offenses, the person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

View official code

Full Breakdown

100 makes it unlawful to intentionally urinate or defecate in a public place other than a washroom or toilet room, and also reaches acts done at a place and under circumstances where a member of the public could observe them, even if that spot is technically private. 00, while a second offense and every offense after that is reclassified as a criminal misdemeanor, exposing the person to jail time and a criminal record rather than just a fine. 010 by reference; public urination and defecation, by contrast, is defined and penalized directly in the City's own code rather than incorporated from state law. The ordinance traces to Ordinance 46 § 54, adopted in 2003 when the City incorporated and enacted its original criminal code.

Violations & Fines

First offense: civil infraction, fine up to $100.00. Second offense and any subsequent offense: misdemeanor, carrying the criminal penalties applicable to misdemeanors under the Spokane Valley criminal code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is public urination a crime the first time in Spokane Valley?
No. SVMC § 8.20.100 makes a first offense a civil infraction with a fine capped at $100.00. It only becomes a criminal misdemeanor starting with the second offense.
Does it matter if I'm on private property?
Yes, but not the way you might think: the law applies wherever the act happens where it could be observed by a member of the public, so being on private land does not excuse it if the act is visible to others.
What's the penalty for a repeat public urination offense?
SVMC § 8.20.100 states that for second and subsequent offenses, the person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor rather than facing the civil infraction fine that applies to a first offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spokane Valley

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSome RestrictionsAggressive PanhandlingSignificant RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant Restrictions

All Spokane Valley rules

Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview

Get notified when Public Urination in Spokane Valley, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.