Porta Potty Rules and Event Permits in Rochester, NY

Do You Need a Permit for a Porta Potty in Rochester?

The City of Rochester’s special event permit page does not list portable toilets as a separate requirement. Permits in the city are about the event itself and where it is held, not about the units. If you are planning an outdoor public event, the event permits in Rochester are what you need to look at first.

Rules and fees can change, so confirm the details with the City before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

When a City Special Event Permit Is Required

A permit is required for outdoor events on City property, such as streets and parks, that are open to the public. The City counts an event as public if entry is free, if it uses tickets or registration, or if it is promoted on social media or with flyers.

A City permit does not cover indoor events, events on private property (which may need a Certificate of Zoning Compliance from the Zoning Department), or private events such as birthdays and graduations. Private events can reserve City lodges or parks through R-Central Online.

Permit Types, Fees and Deadlines

These are the fees and lead times listed by the City when this page was written. All fees are non-refundable.

• Festival: $200, apply 4 months before the event.
• Block party: $40, apply 1 month before. It must not be open to the public, is not allowed on Memorial Day, July 4th or Labor Day weekends, and is not allowed Downtown or on arterial streets. A Street Closing Petition is required first.
• Moving athletic events (races, walks, runs, bike events): $100, apply 4 months before.
• Parade or motorcade: $100, apply 4 months before.
• Other events (openings, rallies and similar): $70, apply 4 months before.

Using City and County Parks

For City parks, the special event application also reserves the park. Some parks inside the city belong to Monroe County, including Highland Park, Genesee Valley Park east of the Genesee River, Ontario Beach Park and parts of Durand Beach. These need a County Parks permit before you apply to the City. Call (585) 753-7281 to ask about it.

Food Vendors and Construction Sites

Food and beverage vendors need health and food-handling permits from the Monroe County Department of Health. If your event has vendors, ask them to confirm this early.

Construction sites follow the federal OSHA sanitation rule, which requires at least one toilet for crews of 20 or fewer. See our construction site porta potty rental page for the full numbers.

How Porta Potties Fit Your Event Plan

• Plan the number of units with our pricing and sizing guide. For a wedding, see our wedding planning page. For a festival or block party, see our event rental guide.
• Add an accessible unit for public events.
• Place a hand washing station near the food area.
• Tell us your event location and permit details when you book, so we can plan delivery access and placement.
• Permit applications are filed by the event organizer with the City.

Permit Questions Answered

Source: City of Rochester special event permits.