Porta Potty Placement & Permit Guide
Where the unit can stand, what the truck needs, and when a street, sidewalk or park permit comes into play around Yonkers and New York City.
By Robert, owner. Reviewed October 22, 2026.
Where can you put a porta potty?
A porta potty can go on any firm, level spot within about 25 feet of where our truck can park, with the door free to open. Driveways, paved lots and short, flat lawns work best. Avoid slopes, soft lawns, low spots that flood, and anywhere that blocks a driveway, hydrant or sidewalk.
- Level within a couple of inches; the driver can shim small slopes
- Clear of overhead wires and branches for the truck
- Door facing away from the street or crowd
- At least a few feet from fences and walls for cleaning
Will a porta potty fit through a gate or down a driveway?
A standard porta potty is about 44 inches wide and fits through a gate that opens about 45 inches or more. A wheelchair-accessible unit is about 7 feet wide. Our delivery truck is about the size of a heavy-duty pickup, so a narrow shared driveway is usually fine; tight turns and low branches are the real limits.
Do you need a permit for a porta potty in Yonkers?
A porta potty on private property in Yonkers usually needs no permit. Items placed on a city street need a permit from the Yonkers Engineering Department, which asks for $1 million in liability insurance naming the department. Events in Yonkers parks go through the Parks Department special event application.
- Street or sidewalk: Yonkers Engineering permit FAQ
- Park events: apply at least 60 days ahead; fees rise to $200 at 30–60 days and $400 under 29 days; the City sets restroom count and location; restrooms come out within 24 hours. Yonkers special event permits
Do you need a permit for a porta potty in New York City?
A porta potty on a New York City street or sidewalk needs a street-use permit from the NYC Department of Transportation, usually pulled by the contractor. Units inside a fenced site or on private property don't need a DOT permit. Block parties and street fairs go through the city's Street Activity Permit Office.
NYC DOT street works permits. Borough details are on our pages for the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
What permits apply to large events in New York State?
A gathering expected to draw 5,000 or more people for 24 hours or longer is a mass gathering under New York's Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-4, and needs a health department permit that covers toilets. Smaller events follow local park, street and food rules. Your county health department can confirm.
Source: 10 NYCRR 7-4.1. Other towns: see each page under service areas.
Keep planning: pick a backyard spot, check Westchester County rules, check Bronx street rules, or rent for your home.
Questions renters ask
Who gets the permit, me or the rental company?
The renter or their contractor gets the street or event permit, because it is tied to the property, the project or the event. We give you the unit's size and placement details for the application.
Can a porta potty go in the street in front of my house?
A porta potty in the street needs a city permit in Yonkers and New York City. Most homeowners place the unit on the driveway or lawn instead, which needs no permit.
Does my HOA or co-op need to approve it?
Many HOAs, co-ops and condo boards have rules on temporary structures. Check with the board before delivery so the unit isn't asked to move.