ADA Porta Potty Requirements: Accessibility Compliance Guide
When do you need ADA-compliant portable restrooms? Learn the requirements, features, costs, and how many accessible units you need for events and job sites.
Port Pottimer
6 min read • Updated December 2024
If you're hosting a public event or running a construction site, you may be wondering: do I need an ADA-compliant porta potty? The short answer is often yes - and even when it's not strictly required, providing accessible restrooms is the right thing to do.
Let's break down the requirements, when they apply, and what makes a porta potty ADA-compliant.
What is ADA Compliance?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that requires public accommodations to be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes temporary facilities like porta potties at:
- Public events and festivals
- Construction sites (under OSHA, which incorporates ADA)
- Commercial venues and businesses
- Any place open to the public
The goal is simple: everyone should be able to use restroom facilities with dignity, regardless of mobility limitations.
When Are ADA Units Required?
Public Events
Any event open to the public generally requires accessible restroom facilities. This includes:
- Concerts and festivals
- Fairs and carnivals
- Sporting events
- Community gatherings
- Farmers markets
The general rule: at least 5% of your porta potties should be ADA-compliant, with a minimum of one unit.
Construction Sites
OSHA requires that sanitation facilities be accessible to workers with disabilities. If you have (or could have) workers with mobility impairments, you need at least one ADA unit on site.
Private Events
Private events on private property (like a backyard wedding) technically aren't covered by ADA. However, if you're inviting elderly guests or anyone with mobility issues, providing an accessible unit is strongly recommended.
What Makes a Porta Potty ADA-Compliant?
ADA porta potties are larger and include specific accessibility features:
Required Features
- Larger interior: Minimum 60" x 60" floor space (compared to ~44" x 44" for standard units). This allows wheelchair turning radius.
- Wide door: At least 32" clear opening (most are 34"+). Door swings outward.
- Grab bars: Sturdy handrails on both sides of the toilet for support.
- Lower threshold: Ground-level or ramped entry. Many have fold-down ramps.
- Appropriate toilet height: Seat 17-19 inches from floor (vs. 15" on standard units).
- Interior clearance: No obstructions in the turning area.
How Many ADA Units Do You Need?
| Total Porta Potties | ADA Units Required |
|---|---|
| 1-20 units | At least 1 ADA unit |
| 21-40 units | At least 2 ADA units |
| 41-60 units | At least 3 ADA units |
| 61+ units | 5% of total, rounded up |
Most events and construction sites need 1-2 ADA units. A small backyard party with one porta potty should consider an ADA unit if any guests might need it.
Placement Requirements
An ADA porta potty is only accessible if people can actually get to it. Placement matters:
- Accessible path: A firm, level surface leading to the unit (no grass, gravel, or mud if possible)
- No steps or curbs: The path should have no barriers
- Level placement: The unit itself must be on level ground
- Clear approach: Enough room in front for a wheelchair to approach the door
- Ramp deployed: If the unit has a ramp, make sure it's set up and secured
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing ADA unit on grass that gets muddy
- Blocking the path with equipment or vehicles
- Not deploying the ramp
- Placing unit far from the event in a hard-to-reach spot
- Using the ADA unit for storage
What Do ADA Units Cost?
ADA porta potties typically cost 25-50% more than standard units due to their larger size:
- Standard unit: $125-200/month
- ADA unit: $175-300/month
- Weekend event (standard): $100-175
- Weekend event (ADA): $150-250
The cost difference is modest compared to potential ADA violation penalties (which can be thousands of dollars) or the embarrassment of turning away a guest who can't use your facilities.
ADA Companion Restrooms
Some situations benefit from "companion care" restrooms - units large enough for a caregiver to assist someone inside. These are larger than standard ADA units and include:
- Extra floor space for two people
- Additional grab bars
- Adult changing table (in some models)
These are typically only available from specialty providers and are most common at large public events or venues serving individuals with significant disabilities.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
ADA violations can result in:
- Complaints to the Department of Justice - Which can investigate and require corrective action
- Lawsuits - Individuals can sue for discrimination
- Fines - Up to $75,000 for first offense, $150,000 for subsequent violations
- Event shutdown - In extreme cases, authorities can shut down non-compliant events
Beyond legal consequences, failing to provide accessible facilities is simply bad practice and can harm your organization's reputation.
Best Practices
- Always include at least one ADA unit - Even for small events, the cost difference is minimal
- Place ADA units in prime locations - Not hidden in a corner
- Ensure path accessibility - Use mats or temporary flooring over grass if needed
- Mark units clearly - The international accessibility symbol should be visible
- Keep the ramp deployed - Don't rely on users to unfold it themselves
- Monitor during events - Make sure the accessible unit stays accessible (no blocked paths)
Need ADA-Compliant Porta Potties?
Find providers offering accessible units for your event or job site. Search providers near you →