Where Should You Put a Porta Potty?

The placement checklist

• Level and firm: concrete, gravel, packed dirt or flat grass. No slopes.
• Truck access: within about 25 feet of where a truck can park, with no steps or fences in between.
• Clearance: about 10 feet from food tables, open windows and doorways.
• Drainage: stay out of ditches and low spots that collect water.
• Overhead: clear of power lines and low branches.
• Lighting: near a light or with path lights for evening events.

At a home

The driveway or side yard is usually best. Keep units off septic tanks, drain fields and sprinkler heads.

At an event

Place units in view but away from the food and ceremony areas, grouped together so guests can find them. Put ADA units on the firmest, most level ground with a smooth route.

On a job site

Near the work, out of equipment paths, and easy for the service truck to reach every week.

Permits and public property

Units on private property usually need no permit. Placing one on a street, sidewalk or park in Champaign, Urbana or another town can require city permission, so check with the city before delivery day.

Common questions