Public Urination, Defecation Fine Hike Passes

Town Council officially made answering the call of nature in the great outdoors of Morristown more expensive last week.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance amendment Tuesday, Sept. 18 that makes the minimum fine for anyone urinating or defecating in a public space in Morristown $500.

The ordinance amendment comes at a time where Morristown's nightlife has increasingly gained attention as more and more people come to patronize its bars and restaurants.

Prior to this ordinance amendment, introduced in August, there was no minimum fine associated with public urination or defecation in town. Meaning, a judge could technically issue a fine anywhere from $10 to the maximum allowable fine of $2,000, said Vij Pawar, the town attorney.

In addition, under the ordinance amendment people with three violations would have to pay a minimum fine of $1,000.