Porta potty permits and placement in Allentown
Where a porta potty can legally sit in Allentown, when the city needs a permit, and how weather and alleys change the spot. Sourced from city code and city pages.
- Delivery area
- Allentown city streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks and private property, all 18101–18109 ZIPs.
- Arrival
- Private property: book any time. Street spots: get the city permit before the delivery date.
- Which unit
- A standard unit is about 44 in wide, too wide for a public sidewalk under city code.
- Cleaning
- Weekly service needs the truck within about 15 feet, so keep the spot off snow routes in winter.
- Full cost
- City permit fees are separate from your rental; our quote covers the unit, delivery, service and tax.
Do you need a permit to put a porta potty on the street in Allentown?
Allentown law requires a use permit for temporary obstructions in the right-of-way. A unit on private land usually needs none. We recommend private ground whenever you have it, since a 44-inch unit cannot meet the sidewalk width limit. Confirm street placement with the Department of Community and Economic Development first.
Ask the City of Allentown — Department of Community and Economic Development (temporary obstruction use permits, Code § 545-46) before booking a street spot. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Not sure your spot needs a permit? Describe it on the phone and we'll tell you what usually works.
Call (610) 228-7980QuoteAllentown rules and conditions that change your rental
Eight city rules and conditions change where an Allentown porta potty can go: the right-of-way permit, the one-third sidewalk limit, historic district review, snow emergency routes, winter snowfall, park pavilion power, park permit lead times and the special events office. Each one is listed with its source.
- Allentown requires a use permit for any temporary obstruction in the public right-of-way (Code § 545-46). Dumpsters are one example.A porta potty on the street or sidewalk is treated like other temporary obstructions. Get the city's permit before the drop-off date.
- A sidewalk obstruction may use only one-third of the sidewalk width (Code § 545-46B). It may never exceed three feet.A standard unit is about 44 inches wide, so it is too wide for a public sidewalk. Plan for a yard, driveway, rear lot, or a permitted curb-lane spot.
- Temporary obstructions in Allentown's historic districts also need Historical Architectural Review Board approval (Code § 545-46H). The districts are Old Allentown, Old Fairgrounds, and West Park.Rowhome jobs in those three districts may face an extra review step. Start that paperwork early or keep the unit on private property.
- About 30 Allentown streets are Snow Emergency Routes. Vehicles left on them during a declared emergency are ticketed and towed. Alleys are plowed last, in phase three.Our truck may not reach an alley drop spot right after a storm. Pick a spot off the snow routes and off unplowed alleys for winter jobs.
- City park pavilions have no electrical outlets, and amplified music is not allowed in the parks system. Cancellations within seven days get no refund.A restroom trailer needs a 110V outlet, so a pavilion party would need a generator. A standard or deluxe unit needs no power at all.
- Parks and Recreation asks event groups to reach out at least two months ahead. Field and special event permits may require one million dollars in liability insurance.Book the park first, then book restrooms once the permit date is final. Our free cancellation window gives you room if the date moves.
- The Bureau of Special Events works from the Parks Office at 3000 Parkway Blvd. Events on city property follow Chapter 532 of the city code.Street festivals and block events go through this office. Ask them whether your restroom count and placement need to appear on the application.
- Allentown averages about 33 inches of snow a season, with February the snowiest month.Winter units get antifreeze from November through March. Keep a shoveled path to the door so service visits stay on schedule.
Where should a porta potty go at an Allentown rowhome?
Most Allentown rowhomes have a rear yard that opens onto a narrow alley. That back spot often works best, since the front sidewalk is too tight for a unit. The ground needs to be flat and firm, and our truck must park within about 15 feet of it.
- Measure your alley width before booking; our truck needs room to stop and back up.
- Rear parking pads off the alley make good drop spots for remodels in the First and Sixth Wards.
- At West End and Mountainville homes with driveways, set the unit beside the drive, not on the lawn.
- Keep units off the curb lane on snow emergency routes from November through March.
- Mark the spot with a cone or chalk so the driver can drop it even if nobody is home.
How does Allentown weather affect a porta potty rental?
Allentown summers turn hot and humid, so units in full sun need their weekly service on time. Winters bring steady snow, and alleys get plowed last. We add non-toxic antifreeze from November through March. A shoveled path keeps the driver able to reach the unit.
More in winter porta potty tips and the 9 placement rules.
Allentown permit and placement questions
Do I need a permit for a porta potty in my own driveway in Allentown?
A unit on your own driveway, yard or rear parking pad sits on private property, so the city's right-of-way use permit does not apply. HOA or landlord rules may still apply.
Can a porta potty go on the sidewalk in front of my rowhome?
City code limits a sidewalk obstruction to one-third of the sidewalk width and never more than 3 feet. A standard unit is about 44 inches wide, so the public sidewalk is not an option.
Can a porta potty go in the street during a remodel?
A curb-lane spot is treated as a temporary obstruction and needs a city use permit before delivery. Many rowhome remodels use the rear alley pad instead.
Do historic districts need extra approval?
Obstructions in Old Allentown, Old Fairgrounds and West Park also need Historical Architectural Review Board approval. Keeping the unit on private property avoids that step.
Can I put a porta potty at a city park pavilion?
Park rentals go through Allentown Parks and Recreation. Ask the parks office where units may be placed and book restrooms once your permit date is final.
What happens to a curbside unit during a snow emergency?
Snow emergency routes must be cleared, and alleys are plowed last. Winter units should sit off the snow routes and close to a plowed street.
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