Lathrop City Council
May 12, 2025

• No current local code explicitly prohibits
public urination/defecation
• Aligns Lathrop with practices across
California
• Supports safe, clean public environments
Why This Ordinance Is
Needed
Iron railway
bridge
• Public urination/defecation creates health risks
• Contributes to unsanitary conditions in shared
spaces
• Diminishes quality of life for residents and visitors • Impacts perception of public areas
Restroom sign with symbols and text
Chapter 9.05 Overview
• §9.05.010 – Purpose: Protect public health and safety • §9.05.020 – Definition: “Public place” broadly defined • §9.05.030 – Prohibited Conduct: No urinating/defecating in public if potentially visible to others
• §9.05.040 – Enforcement: Misdemeanor offense with civil abatement options
Enforcement and Legal Framework
• Violation is a misdemeanor (LMC 1.16.010)
• Penal Code 370 authorizes civil nuisance abatement
• No anticipated fiscal impact—enforced by existing personnel • Public notice published May 1, 2025
• Agenda posted on city platforms
• No comments received to date
Notice and Community Input
Staff Recommendation
• Hold public hearing
• Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance
• Add Chapter 9.05 to Title 9 of the Municipal
Code
Tulle reeds and a
lake