Permit Requirements for Porta Potties

Permit requirements for porta potties vary depending on the type of event that you want to run. Whether you require a permit relates to how long you think you'll need porta potties for and your location. Porta potties are a practical solution when conventional bathrooms are not available in a particular location. Instead of people going without facilities or traveling to find a fixed bathroom, units can be located on site quickly and then removed. They're particularly helpful for things like:

Backyard weddings
Corporate gatherings
Construction sites
Festivals

Generally speaking, porta potties are relatively straightforward to rent from licensed providers; however, you need to follow local rules to avoid fines or shutdowns. Unfortunately, the laws governing the use of porta potties do not fall under a single federal permit. Instead, regulations are handled at the state, county, or city level, which can have different rules. The big takeaway from this article is to always check with your local health department about the permits that are required and consult with the porta potty rental company about the rules that apply in your particular zone or location.

When do you need a porta potty permit?

Whether you need a porta potty permit depends on the location and the type of event that you want to run. This section explores different event types and the permitting requirements to expect.

Private party parties and events

Private property parties and events include things like family reunions, wedding receptions, and home gatherings. You do not usually need a permit for these. The placement of the porta potty will usually be under 30 days, which is permissible under temporary structure rules.

Public property events

Public property events on sidewalks, streets, parks, or rights of way, require a permit for a porta potties. This is because they interrupt the regular flow of traffic and block use of public space. In these situations, cities will often grant temporary sanitation permits, which you can use to permit the use of porta-potties on the site.

Large events and festivals

Permits are often mandatory for large events and festivals, whether they occur on public or private land. Most cities have attendee thresholds between 100 and 1,000 people. If you expect a larger audience to show up, you’ll need a permit of some type and a sanitation plan reviewed by the health department.

Construction sites

Normally, you will find that construction site porta potty rules are covered under existing building permits and OSHA rules. Consequently, you don't usually need a separate permit. With that said, certain types of projects may require additional approvals for porta potties so always check.

Private communities and HOAs

Finally, you may need approval from your homeowners association if you want to add porta potties to private property. There may be rules regarding screening, how long porta potties can remain in place, and the visibility of their placement. Rental companies can usually deal with all the permitting on your behalf. Many have experience with working through the paperwork with local authorities, saving you time and helping to reduce the risk of fines.

The permitting process, when required

Sometimes you will have to take on the permitting process yourself. Here's the general process:

Step 1: Research

Start by researching the type of permit you need in advance with your city or county health department or event permitting office. Get this done between 30 and 90 days before you require porta potties on-site.

Step 2: Submit application

Submit your application next. This should include:

A site plan showing where you'll locate the toilets
How many people you expect to be in attendance
Proof that your event is insured and so on

Step 3: Pay fees

Usually, you will have to pay fees to the local permitting office if this isn't rolled into the price charged by your porta potty provider. Fees are often modest and simply cover administration costs.

Step 4: Coordinate with your rental provider

If the approvals go through, coordinate with your rental provider. Tell them when you're allowed to use porta potties on site so they know when to deliver and collect them.

Things to think about beyond permitting

Permitting isn't the only thing you should think about when renting porta potties. Considering other factors is essential if you want to provide your guests with the best possible service.

The number of units you need

Start by thinking about the number of units you need. In general, you want at least one portable toilet per 50 guests for events, based on OSHA guidelines. Adjust this upwards if:

You intend to provide alcohol service, increasing provision by 20 to 30 percent.
The events are longer or you expect a multi-day gathering, adding one toilet per 40 guests.
You expect more women and children, increasing service provision by 20 to 30 percent.

ADA accessibility

You may also need to consider ADA accessibility if hosting a public event or gathering. This is a federal requirement and says that at least 5% of units, or one per 10 to 20 regular units, must have accessibility features like grab bars, low thresholds, and wide doors. Rental services can provide these rations for you automatically, so you don't usually need to think about it. However, being non-compliant can lead to fines.

OSHA and environmental compliance

Finally, if you expect heavy crowds or you want to install porta potties on a work site, you will need to follow OSHA sanitation standards. These rules protect local waterways from contamination from human waste.

Final advice regarding permitting

Usually you can rent porta potties worry-free on private property, especially if you expect a small event. Often, there’s no requirement for a dedicated permit. However, if you are going to host an event on public land or expect a large public gathering, always assume you need a permit and check with local authorities and health departments in your city or region.

Permit Requirements for Porta Potties

When do you need a porta potty permit?

Private party parties and events

Public property events

Large events and festivals

Construction sites

Private communities and HOAs

The permitting process, when required

Step 1: Research

Step 2: Submit application

Step 3: Pay fees

Step 4: Coordinate with your rental provider

Things to think about beyond permitting

The number of units you need

ADA accessibility

OSHA and environmental compliance

Final advice regarding permitting

Portable Toilet For Rent

Insurance

Additional Servicing Per Week

Attached lock

Full Setup

Permit Requirements for Porta Potties

When do you need a porta potty permit?

Private party parties and events

Public property events

Large events and festivals

Construction sites

Private communities and HOAs

The permitting process, when required

Step 1: Research

Step 2: Submit application

Step 3: Pay fees

Step 4: Coordinate with your rental provider

Things to think about beyond permitting

The number of units you need

ADA accessibility

OSHA and environmental compliance

Final advice regarding permitting

Portable Toilet For Rent

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