ADA Rules for Portable Toilets at Texas Events

By the Frank Rental Works operations team · Published and reviewed October 5, 2026

Accessible-size portable toilet next to a hand wash station — An accessible unit is equipment; ADA compliance depends on the setup.

Is a wheelchair-accessible unit automatically ADA-compliant?

A wheelchair-accessible porta potty is not automatically ADA-compliant, because compliance depends on the whole setup: the route, the ground, the clear space and how many units are provided. The maker of our reference model, PolyJohn, calls the Comfort XL handicap-accessible and does not label it ADA-compliant.

PolyJohn's blog puts it plainly: "Handicap portable restrooms are not the same as ADA-compliant portable restrooms" (PolyJohn).

How many accessible units does an event need?

An event needs at least 5% of the portable toilets in each cluster to be accessible under section 213.2 of the 2010 ADA Standards, with at least 1 per cluster. Ten units in one spot need 1 accessible unit; 30 units need 2. Two separate clusters of 10 need 1 each.

The U.S. Access Board: "Where portable single user toilet units are provided, including at temporary events, access is required to at least 5% in each cluster" (Access Board guide).

What is the 60-inch turning space?

The 60-inch turning space is a circle 60 inches across, or a T-shaped area, where a wheelchair user can turn around, as defined in ADA Standards section 304. It is a diameter, not a radius. Our reference model offers more than 16 square feet of floor and a 32-inch door.

Specifications — PolyJohn Comfort XL

Height91 in
Width62 in
Depth62 in
Empty weight240 lb
Door frame32 in wide, 74 in tall
Open floorOver 16 sq ft
Holding tank33 gal
EntryFloor at ground level, no-step sill, grab rails

From the PolyJohn Comfort XL spec sheet. These are the maker's published numbers for the named reference model. The unit we bring may be an equivalent model; call and we will tell you the exact model and size before it ships.

How should an accessible unit be placed?

Place an accessible unit on firm, level ground such as pavement or packed caliche, connected to parking and seating by a route at least 36 inches wide, with about 5 feet clear in front of the door. Avoid slopes, curbs and soft grass after rain, and mark it with the International Symbol of Accessibility.

Which nearby cities mention accessible restrooms?

Harker Heights writes accessible restrooms into its event code: the City Manager can require sanitary facilities, including disabled-accessible ones, as a permit condition. Other Central Texas cities ask for restroom locations on event site plans, and federal ADA rules set the 5% share.

Source: Harker Heights Code §100.08.

From our customer callsA church group planning a one-day outdoor service asked first whether we had a handicap-accessible unit. They needed 1 accessible unit and 1 standard unit. For small gatherings, that pairing covers the 5% rule at the lowest cost. (From our recorded calls, 2025–2026.)

General information, not legal advice. Confirm with your venue, permit office or ADA coordinator.

Fast answers

Can I advertise an 'ADA-compliant restroom'?

Say 'wheelchair-accessible restroom available' unless your whole setup has been reviewed.

Do private parties need an accessible unit?

The ADA covers public accommodations, not private home parties. If a guest uses a wheelchair, rent one anyway.

How much bigger is an accessible unit?

The reference model is 62 inches square; a standard unit is about 44 inches wide.

Do accessible units cost more?

Somewhat. See the cost guide.

By the Frank Rental Works dispatch and service crew

The Killeen team that books, delivers and cleans every unit and answers (254) 302-6583. Rules and figures are checked against the official sources linked above. Reviewed October 5, 2026.