Riverside County, CA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 12.28.010(B)(24)
- Where it applies
- County/district parks, unincorporated area only
- First-offense fine
- $50 to $100 infraction
- Third-offense penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 or 6 months jail
- Enforcing agency
- District general manager, sheriff's department
Summary
Riverside County bans urinating or defecating anywhere but a restroom inside county and regional parks and open-space areas. County Code Section 12.28.010(B)(24) makes it an enforceable infraction, escalating to a misdemeanor on repeat violations within a year.
Within the boundaries of any such park or open-space area it is unlawful: ... 24. To urinate or defecate in other than a permanent or temporary restroom; or to use any restroom, washroom, or dressing facility when it has been designated for persons of the opposite sex. This provision shall not apply to children six years of age or younger when accompanied into such facility by an adult;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
" The same subsection also bars using a restroom, washroom or dressing facility designated for the opposite sex, with an exception for children six years old or younger accompanied by an adult. The ban applies only within the boundaries of a county or district park or open-space area lying in unincorporated territory; it does not create a county-wide public urination law reaching sidewalks, parking lots or private property outside those park boundaries, and it has no effect inside any of the county's 28 incorporated cities, including Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Temecula and Palm Desert, each of which enforces its own municipal code.
030, with the county sheriff's department and other law enforcement agencies authorized to enter public and restricted parts of every county or district park to maintain order and act on violations. 010(B) prohibitions. 040.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Section 12.28.010(B)(24) is an infraction punishable by a fine of $50 to $100. A second violation within one year is an infraction punishable by a fine of at least $100. A third or later violation within one year becomes a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both; a first offense may also be charged directly as a misdemeanor at the county's discretion. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense under Section 12.28.040(A). Officers may also order a violator to leave the park immediately and stay out of all county and district parks for the rest of that day or another appropriate period under Section 12.28.040(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply outside county parks in Riverside County?
What is the penalty for a first violation?
Can children use a restroom for the opposite sex?
Does this apply inside the city of Riverside or Temecula?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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