What makes an ADA-compliant porta potty different inside?

An ADA-compliant portable toilet provides a larger interior with specific features that allow a person using a wheelchair to enter, turn around, and use the toilet and grab bars. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design define these requirements in detail.

Turning space and door. The unit must have a clear turning space of at least 60 inches in diameter inside. The door must be at least 32 inches wide when open and must not swing into the required clear floor space. The door hardware must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.

Toilet seat and grab bars. The toilet seat height must be between 17 and 19 inches from the floor. The unit must have grab bars on the side wall and the rear wall. The side grab bar must be at least 42 inches long, and the rear grab bar must be at least 36 inches long. They must be mounted 33 to 36 inches above the floor and withstand 250 pounds of force.

Other required features. The unit must have an accessible coat hook, a toilet paper dispenser within reach from the toilet, and an ADA-compliant unit must be identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility. While a standard portable toilet has a small, cramped interior, the ADA unit's design ensures independent use.

For your community event, remember the ADA 5 percent cluster rule: if you have a cluster of portable toilets, at least one must be ADA-compliant. The rental company should provide a unit that meets these standards. If you have questions about specific measurements or placement, ask them here.