Plain answers about portable restrooms in Chicago
Most questions come down to four things: how many units an event or crew needs, which Chicago office issues the permit, what cold or heat does to a rental, and how to compare quotes. Short version: check the published rule, ask the permit office, ask the provider, and get the quote in writing.
- Portable restroom rental
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- Event, construction and festival ready
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How many units
How many toilets does a Chicago event need?
Chicago's temporary-event code says toilets must meet the minimum in the Chicago Plumbing Code. More than 30 people present needs at least 2 toilets, and above 600 people there is 1 more for every additional 300, or fraction of 300. Confirm the count with the permit office.
Is that number enough for a big festival?
It is the minimum, not a comfort level. Long days, food and drink and arrivals all at once push use higher. A provider that has served similar events can suggest a sensible quantity, and the permit office can say whether your event has its own condition.
How many units does a construction crew need?
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51(c) says one toilet for 20 or fewer workers, and above that one seat and one urinal per 40 workers, per 50 at 200 or more. The Chicago Plumbing Code asks at least one per 30 employees. The stricter figure governs, so confirm with the permit office.
Does a dirty toilet count toward the total?
Under the OSHA rule, no. Unsanitary toilets do not count, and toilets should be reachable in under 10 minutes. That is why servicing frequency matters as much as the number of units, and why it belongs in the quote you ask for.
Permits and who decides
Do I need a Chicago Park District permit?
Events with 50 or more participants, amplified sound, vending, tents or stages need one. Picnic levels 3 and 4 and all Athletic, Corporate and Festival or Performance permits must provide portable toilets. The Park District revenue department can be reached at (312) 763-6710.
Who handles street festivals and parades?
The Mayor's Office of Special Events, at (312) 744-3315, is the starting point for events on city streets. The portable-toilet conditions attached to a street permit come from the city, so ask the office before ordering and tell the provider what it says.
What about food booths at a festival?
The Chicago Department of Public Health Food Protection Services reviews special-event food booths, mobile food and sampling applications, and booths need a Summer Festival Food Vendor Sanitation Certificate. Handwashing sits next to the food, so ask the provider about handwash stations.
Do film shoots need a permit?
Filming that affects streets, sidewalks or other public ways needs a permit from the Chicago Film Office, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Room 100, with a minimum of 3 full business days to process. Order restrooms once the location and permit are settled.
Weather and seasons
Can portable toilets be used in a Chicago winter?
Units are used year round, but cold changes how they are set up and serviced. January averages about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and the record low is minus 27. We found no Chicago rule on freezing, so ask the provider how it handles your dates.
Does wind off Lake Michigan matter?
It can. Wind sweeps a flat city, and an unsheltered lot or a lakefront park is more exposed than a side street. We found no Chicago rule on anchoring units, so ask the provider how it sets them in open ground.
What about a summer heat wave?
Heat raises use of water and handwashing and strains an unshaded unit. The July 1995 heat wave reached 106 degrees at Midway on July 13, and a heat index above 115. Ask the provider about shade, servicing and handwash stations on a hot weekend.
Should I order early for a summer weekend?
Yes. More than 20 street festivals run between May and September, so providers get busy on the same weekends. No availability is promised on the call, but an early call gives a provider the best chance of having units available.
Units, quotes and servicing
Do you show prices?
No. We found no sourced Chicago prices, so printing a figure could mislead you. The provider who takes your order gives you a price, and you should get it in writing, with what it includes, before any unit is sent.
Can I empty or move a unit myself?
No. Servicing, emptying and moving are done by the provider. If a unit is in the wrong place, tell the provider and let it deal with the unit, rather than tipping, dragging or opening it yourself.
What is an ADA accessible unit?
It is a larger portable toilet built for wheelchair access. Chicago Marathon aid stations carry standard and ADA portable toilets. We found no Chicago ratio, so ask the permit office and the provider how many an event of your size should have.
Why do some orders include a restroom trailer?
A flushable trailer offers several stalls in one towed unit and suits a wedding, a corporate event or a long festival day where guests expect more than a single stall. A provider can tell you whether it has a trailer available for your date.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.