Doing one's business on Pittsburgh's streets would draw a $500 fine under legislation tentatively approved by City Council yesterday.

Councilman Bruce Kraus said police have had to rely on state laws to cite those who urinate or defecate outdoors, typically in neighborhoods like the South Side, where he lives. In some cases, a state charge of lewdness could land the defendant on the list of registered sex offenders, and that's not a good outcome, he said.

The new city code plank would bar anyone from using as bathrooms publicly or privately owned walkways, streets, highways, sidewalks, building facades, bridges, overpasses, alleys or alleyways, plazas, parks, driveways, transportation facilities, parks, recreational areas, parking lots, vacant or undeveloped lots or their stairwells, alcoves, doorways and entrances. If the property owner approved, then urinating or defecating would be OK.

A final vote could happen Tuesday.