Does a private party on private property have to follow the ADA porta potty rule?

Question

We are renting a farm for a family reunion in late June. The guest list is about 70 people, including one aunt who uses a wheelchair. We plan to serve food and have beer and wine. The event will run from noon until evening, about eight hours total. We are on private property, a big grassy field. A delivery truck can drive right up to where we want the toilets.

We were going to order two standard units for the crowd. But the rental company asked if we needed an ADA-compliant unit. This is not a public event or a business, just our family. Do we have to follow that ADA rule for a private party? What happens if we skip it?

Jules T. · Answer

No, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design do not apply to a private family reunion on private property. The ADA 5 percent cluster rule is for public accommodations and commercial facilities, not private social events.

For 70 guests over eight hours with food and alcohol, two standard units are too few. A common guideline is about one unit per 50 people for a four-hour event, but you need more for duration and alcohol. Consider three or four units for comfort. Since your aunt uses a wheelchair, an ADA-compliant unit is a practical choice even if not legally required. It provides a larger interior, grab bars, and a level entry.

If you skip it, there is no ADA violation, but your aunt may struggle with access. The rental company might note the lack of an accessible unit, but they will deliver what you order. Servicing is weekly normally, but for an eight-hour event, no service visit is needed during the rental.

Does a private party on private property have to follow the ADA porta potty rule?

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