How many porta potties does a festival need?
A festival needs about 1 standard porta potty per 50 attendees for a 4-hour peak, 1 per 40 for 6 hours and 1 per 30 for 8 hours, plus 1 for every 4 units when alcohol is sold. At least 5% of units in each cluster should be accessible under ADA section 213.2, and 1 handwash station per 4 toilets.
| Peak attendance | Hours | Alcohol | Standard units | Accessible | Handwash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 6 | No | 13 | 1 | 4 |
| 500 | 6 | Yes | 13 + 4 = 17 | 1 | 5 |
| 1,000 | 8 | Yes | 34 + 9 = 43 | 3 | 11 |
| 2,000 | 8 | Yes | 67 + 17 = 84 | 5 | 21 |
How should restrooms be laid out at a festival?
Lay out festival restrooms in clusters near entrances, food areas and stages, never in one far corner. Each cluster should have at least one accessible unit on a firm, level route, and a handwash station at the end of the row. Leave a truck lane so service crews can pump units during the event.
- Mark the clusters on your site map and send it to dispatch.
- Keep a 12-foot truck lane to every cluster.
- Light every cluster if the event runs after sunset.
- Put accessible units at the end closest to the path.
- Plan a mid-day service for events over 6 hours or 1,000 people.
Does my Frisco festival need a permit?
Yes. Any Frisco event with 100 or more attendees, food vendors, amusements, street closures or a city park location needs a special event permit. Frisco says applications filed less than 30 days before the event may be denied. Restroom counts are reviewed as part of the plan, so send us your site map early.
Questions renters ask us
Do I need a handicap porta potty at my event?
Where accessible restrooms are required, the 2010 ADA Standards section 213.2 calls for at least 5% of portable units in each cluster, and no fewer than one, to be accessible. Dennis Rental Works recommends at least 1 accessible unit for any event of 100 or more guests.
Do you rent hand washing stations?
Yes. Dennis Rental Works rents the PolyJohn Bravo two-station sink. The Bravo holds 22 gallons of fresh water and is rated by PolyJohn at nearly 350 uses before refilling. Each station has a foot pump, soap and paper towels. Food events and jobsites use them most.
Can I add an extra cleaning before a big day?
Yes. Call by noon the day before and dispatch adds an extra service visit to the next route. An extra visit runs about $45–$85 per unit. Jobsites often add one before an inspection, a client walkthrough or a busy concrete pour.
Do I need a permit for a porta potty at my Frisco event?
Restrooms alone do not need a city permit. A Frisco special event permit is needed for events with 100 or more attendees, street closures, food vendors, large tents or park locations. Frisco says applications filed less than 30 days ahead may be denied. Call the Special Events Permitting Committee at 972-292-6651.
Can you do a better price for a long rental or several units?
Yes. Dennis Rental Works discounts multi-unit orders and jobs expected to run three or more 28-day cycles. Builders with several lots in one Frisco subdivision can bundle units onto one route and one invoice. Ask for the multi-unit rate when you call.
