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Trunk or treat in our church parking lot: do we need porta potties if the building is right there?

Lisa G.asked 4 viewsEvents & WeddingsEvents and weddingsUnits per personPlacementStandard unitAda unitTruck access

Our church is doing a trunk or treat on the Saturday before Halloween, about 5 to 8pm in the back parking lot. Last year we had maybe 250 to 300 kids and parents come through, and this year the flyers went out to two schools so it could be more.

Last time everyone used the restrooms inside, which meant a steady stream of people walking through the fellowship hall and down a dark hallway, and a couple of little ones got lost looking for their parents. The trustees would rather keep the building locked this year.

So how many porta potties would we need for a three hour evening crowd like that, mostly kids? Should one be an ADA unit? And where do you put them in a parking lot full of cars so the truck can still get in and out, and is lighting something we need to ask for?

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Brooke L.Charleston, SC

Yes, you need portable toilets for the trunk or treat to keep the building closed and avoid safety issues. A standard unit is sufficient for this event. The event planning guideline suggests one unit per 50 to 75 people for a four-hour event. For 300 people over three hours, you should rent more than the minimum, especially with children who may need frequent breaks. Include one ADA-compliant unit to comply with the ADA cluster rule.

Place the units on level ground in a cluster near the event but with clear truck access for delivery and pickup. Avoid blocking parking spots. Lighting is essential for safety; ask the rental company about adding solar lights or ensure the area is well-lit. Service is not needed for a one-day event, so you'll only pay for delivery and pickup. The cost depends on the number of units, type, and any add-ons like lights.

  • Dave P. Agree on lighting. For evening kid events I also ask for the units to face the activity area instead of a dark corner, so parents can watch the doors from the trunks while the little ones go in.
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Priya N.Tampa, FL

You need a permit for the portable toilets even on church property if the city requires a special event permit for a public gathering. The permit office checks the restroom plan for unit count and the ADA 5 percent cluster rule, which means one ADA-compliant unit is mandatory for your cluster. Brooke’s count is a guideline, but with a mostly-child crowd, consider adding a unit because families use them together. Placement is critical: the driver needs a clear 25-foot path for the vacuum truck on pickup day, so don't box the units in with cars. Lighting is a safety must for an evening event; request it from the rental company.

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