Tacoma, WA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered acts
- Urinating or defecating in public
- Where it applies
- Any observable public place
- Exemption
- Washrooms and toilet rooms
- Maximum fine
- $500.00
- Maximum jail time
- 6 months, Pierce County Jail
Summary
Tacoma makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally urinate or defecate anywhere in public where the act could be observed, punishable by a real fine and possible jail time.
A person is guilty of urinating in public if he intentionally urinates or defecates in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, under circumstances where such act could be observed by any member of the public.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
Tacoma Municipal Code § 8.33.010 makes a person guilty of urinating in public who intentionally urinates or defecates in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, under circumstances where the act could be observed by any member of the public. 'Public place' carries the definition set in TMC § 8.32.010. Under § 8.33.020, anyone convicted faces a misdemeanor charge: a fine of up to $500, up to six months in the Pierce County Jail, or both.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: fine up to $500.00, imprisonment in the Pierce County Jail up to six months, or both a fine and imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Public Urination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle public urination.