What Is a Standard Porta Potty?
It's the unit you picture when someone says porta potty. A standard porta potty from Davis Porta Pros measures about 44 by 48 inches on the ground and stands roughly 92 inches tall, with a 60 to 70 gallon holding tank underneath the seat. No water hookup, no electricity. It works on its own, which is why it's the cheapest and fastest option to drop on a job site or backyard project. If you need something nicer for a wedding or corporate event, look at the deluxe flushable porta potty instead, which adds a flush mechanism and a sink. For crews with a worker needing accommodation, the ADA accessible porta potty meets ADA Standards 213.2, which requires at least one accessible unit in any cluster, and never fewer than one no matter how small the group. Most residential jobs in Davis and out toward University of California-Davis, 2.9 miles southwest, just need the basic box. Compare it against the standard porta potty rental cost page if you're weighing unit types against your budget before you call.
How Much Does a Standard Porta Potty Rental Cost in Davis?
Price depends on how long you keep it and how far out we drive. Here's what the numbers look like across rental lengths:
| Duration | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | $100 | $150 | $350 |
| Week | $130 | $200 | $500 |
| Weekend | $125 | $250 | $400 |
| Month | $125 | $200 | $325 |
| Event | $200 | $400 | $800 |
A delivery fee usually applies on top, typically 100 to 150 dollars for a single day and 50 to 150 dollars if it's billed weekly. Longer jobs, like a full month on a renovation site, spread that delivery cost over more days and end up cheaper per day than a one-off weekend rental. If you're renting for a full remodel, check the monthly porta potty rental page for the specifics on extended terms, or the porta potty rental per day breakdown if you just need one for a Saturday project. Homeowners doing a kitchen tear-out or roof job often start with the home renovation porta potty option, which is the same unit priced for shorter stretches.
Do I Need a Permit for a Standard Porta Potty in Davis?
Placement in the public right of way, like a curb strip or sidewalk easement, needs confirming with the City of Davis before delivery. We are not the source for that ordinance, and citing one from memory would do you a disservice. If your unit sits fully on private property, driveway, or a fenced construction lot, permitting is rarely an issue. Job sites near El Macero, 4.5 miles east, or out toward Dixon, 10.5 miles southwest, sometimes fall under different county rules than the city core, so check with whichever jurisdiction actually covers your address. For a fuller walkthrough, see porta potty permit requirements and the general porta potty placement guide, which covers ground clearance, level surfaces, and service truck access. Construction sites also need to think about worker counts, not just placement. OSHA 1926.51(c)(1) sets toilet ratios by crew size: one unit for 20 workers or fewer, scaling up from there. If your Davis crew is running near that threshold, our how many porta potties do I need guide walks through the math.
Can I Rent a Standard Porta Potty for a Weekend Event in Davis?
Yes, and it's one of the most common bookings we get. A weekend rate for a standard unit runs 125 to 400 dollars, which covers delivery Friday and pickup Monday without a full week's charge. Backyard parties, farm gatherings, and small block events in Davis all fit this pattern. If you're planning something bigger, like a festival or fair, take a look at festival restroom rental or county fair restrooms, since crowd counts change the unit math fast. For a wedding, most hosts skip the standard unit and go with the wedding restroom rental page instead, since guests expect something closer to the deluxe tier. Farms and agricultural operations near Davis have their own rules too: OSHA 1928.110 requires field sanitation, one facility per 20 hand-labor employees, within a quarter mile walk of the work area. That standard applies whether you're renting for a harvest crew or a U-pick weekend event.
Servicing follows ANSI/PSAI Z4.3, the industry baseline of one visit per week for up to 10 users across a 40 hour week, though busier events need more frequent stops. If your event runs past a single weekend, Davis Porta Pros can adjust the service schedule so tanks never get close to capacity.
How many standard porta potties do I need for a small job?
One unit per 20 workers is the OSHA baseline under 1926.51(c)(1) for construction sites. For events, plan on one unit per 50 to 75 guests for a few hours, more if alcohol is served. See our how many porta potties do I need guide for a full breakdown by group size and duration.
What's the difference between a standard and a deluxe porta potty?
A standard unit has no water hookup and no flush, just a holding tank and hand sanitizer. The deluxe flushable porta potty adds a flush mechanism, a sink, and interior finish upgrades, priced higher per day but better suited to weddings and corporate events where guests expect more.
Can a standard porta potty be placed on grass or gravel?
Yes, as long as the surface is level and stable enough for delivery. Our porta potty placement guide covers ground prep, clearance needs, and service truck access so pickup day goes smoothly.
Does Davis require a permit for a porta potty on private property?
Usually not, but placement in the public right of way needs confirming with the city first. Full driveway or fenced-lot placement on private land is typically permit-free. Check porta potty permit requirements before delivery if you're unsure which category your site falls into.
How often is a standard porta potty serviced?
The industry baseline under ANSI/PSAI Z4.3 is one service visit per week for up to 10 users over a 40 hour week. Busier construction sites or multi-day events usually need more frequent pumping to keep tanks from overflowing.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.