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Do I need a permit to put a porta potty on the street or sidewalk? ✓ Solved

Nina R.asked 0 viewsRules, Permits & ADAPermitRight of wayConstruction siteContractorStandard unit

Accepted answer

Yes, you need a permit to place a portable toilet on a city street or sidewalk in almost every municipality. The placement is in the public right-of-way, which is regulated by the city's public works or transportation department. Your contractor is responsible for obtaining this permit, not the rental company. The permit office checks that the unit does not block pedestrian access, fire hydrants, Read the full answer

We're renovating a rowhouse in a tight city block with no driveway. My contractor wants to put a standard portable toilet on the street, right at the curb, for the crew of eight workers. The job will last about six weeks, Monday to Friday, no weekends. The spot is on level asphalt, and a service truck could pull right up to it. But I'm worried about city rules, do I need a permit to place a unit on the street or sidewalk? What about the right-of-way or blocking pedestrian access? Who handles that, me or the rental company?

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Accepted answer first, then by votes
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✓ Accepted by Nina R.

Priya N.Tampa, FL

Yes, you need a permit to place a portable toilet on a city street or sidewalk in almost every municipality. The placement is in the public right-of-way, which is regulated by the city's public works or transportation department. Your contractor is responsible for obtaining this permit, not the rental company. The permit office checks that the unit does not block pedestrian access, fire hydrants, or traffic sight lines.

For a crew of eight workers, one standard portable toilet meets the OSHA 1926.51 construction site requirement, which allows one toilet for 20 or fewer workers. Since the crew works Monday to Friday, a weekly service visit is the industry norm. The rental company will need clear truck access to the curb spot for pumping. The permit will specify the exact placement and may require a fee based on the duration and location. You must remove the unit by the permit's expiration date.

  • Nina R. Thanks, that confirms I need to get my contractor on the permit. I'll ask them to request the [right-of-way placement](https://portapotty.forum/glossary/right-of-way/) details from the city for the rental company's driver.
2
Hector V.Phoenix, AZ

Priya is correct about the permit. The rental company driver will verify the permit placard is visible before placing the unit. On my sites, the city permit office checks the location for a clear 36-inch pedestrian path, distance from intersections, and clearance from fire hydrants and bus stops. They often require a photo of the proposed spot. For a crew of eight, one standard unit is sufficient per OSHA 1926.51. The permit fee depends on the duration and the city's right-of-way rate schedule. Your contractor is responsible for the permit application and any fines for incorrect placement.

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