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Truckee, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)

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

Key Facts

Prohibited act
Urinating or defecating outside a sanitary facility
Applies to
Any public or private property in Truckee
Classification
Infraction, TMC 9.12.010
First-offense fine
Up to $100 under TMC 1.02.040(b)
Repeat offense
3rd violation in a year may become a misdemeanor
Last amended
Renumbered by Ord. 2025-08, effective Jan. 13, 2026

Summary

Truckee makes it an infraction to urinate or defecate anywhere on public or private property outside an actual sanitary facility. TMC 9.12.010 covers streets, parks, parking lots and private land alike, and the Town's general infraction penalty schedule sets the fine.

It shall be an infraction, punishable by fine as established by the court, for any person to urinate or defecate on any public or private property except in an appropriate sanitary facility.

Full Breakdown

010, first adopted in 1995 and renumbered by Ordinance 2025-08 effective January 13, 2026, states plainly that it is an infraction for any person to urinate or defecate on any public or private property except in an appropriate sanitary facility. The rule draws no distinction between Town parks, sidewalks, parking lots, Donner Lake's shoreline or privately owned land: relieving oneself anywhere outside a restroom or similar facility violates the section. 02's general violations rule lets the Town Attorney or District Attorney escalate a third violation by the same person to a misdemeanor. 111 to issue Notice to Appear citations can write the infraction on the spot. 18 ban on open alcohol containers in public places.

Violations & Fines

A first or second violation is an infraction, punishable by a fine set by the court under TMC 1.02.040(b): up to $100 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for a third or later offense within a year, at which point the offense can instead be charged as a misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is public urination illegal in Truckee?
Yes. Truckee Municipal Code 9.12.010 makes it an infraction for anyone to urinate or defecate on public or private property except in an appropriate sanitary facility. The rule applies Town-wide, covering everything from downtown sidewalks and parking lots to Donner Lake's shoreline and privately owned land.
What is the fine for a first offense?
Because the offense is classified as an infraction, TMC 1.02.040(b) caps a first-offense fine at $100, rising to $200 for a second offense and $500 for a third within the same year, after which the Town can charge it as a misdemeanor instead.
Who enforces this rule?
Truckee police officers and other Town employees designated under TMC 1.02.111 to issue Notice to Appear citations can write an on-the-spot citation for a violation of 9.12.010, the same way they would for any other infraction-level Municipal Code offense observed in public.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Truckee

All Truckee rules

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