What restroom setup does a film crew actually need?
It depends on cast size, crew size and whether talent needs a private trailer. A basic production with 20 people or fewer meets code with a single toilet facility per OSHA 1926.51(c), but most productions want more than the legal minimum because nobody wants a line during a shot reset. For crew, a standard porta potty rental works fine near base camp. For talent and department heads, most productions step up to a deluxe flushable porta potty or a full restroom trailer rental with running water and a private stall. A 2 stall restroom trailer handles a tight crew; an 8 stall restroom trailer covers a larger location shoot with background talent. Every unit needs potable water on site, which is why OSHA 1926.51(a)(1) requires an adequate supply wherever people are working. If the location doesn't have water access, we bring it. Productions running lights, cameras and video village off generators should also look at a temporary power pole or coordinate portable generator rental film crews already have booked, since restroom trailers with pumps and lighting draw their own load separate from the grip truck. We can talk through amperage on the call before delivery day so nothing trips mid-shoot.
How far in advance do I need to book for a Paramount location shoot?
Locations in Paramount get confirmed late and shoot days move, so call as soon as you have a location hold, even before the call sheet is final. Same-day and next-day delivery is often possible through emergency porta potty rental if a location change happens overnight, but a location you've had for a week deserves a real quote, not a scramble. Delivery trucks need roughly 60 feet of straight clearance behind the vehicle to place a trailer or roll-off safely, so tell us if the location is a tight residential street or an alley behind a soundstage. Paramount sits close to several cities productions scout regularly: Bell Gardens is about 6.5 miles north, Cudahy about 7.0 miles north, and Bell roughly 7.3 miles north, so if your location scout is weighing a backup lot across a city line, we already cover that ground and can quote both without a second phone call. If your production is also renovating or dressing a practical location, pair the restroom order with a temporary fence rental to keep the set closed to foot traffic, and a roll-off dumpster rental for set strike debris. Locking down restrooms and fencing together on one delivery run tends to save a trip charge.
Do I need an accessible unit on a film set?
Yes, if cast, crew or background talent with a mobility need is present, and it's good practice regardless of headcount. Where several single-user portable units are clustered at base camp, ADA Standards section 213.2 requires at least 5 percent of the cluster to be accessible, with a minimum of one unit even on a small set. An accessible unit needs a 60 inch turning circle inside per ADA Standards section 304.3.1 and a clear route at least 36 inches wide getting to it, per ADA Standards section 403.5.1, which matters on gravel lots or grass fields where cable runs and apple boxes tend to narrow the path. Door hardware also has to work with one hand and no tight grip, per ADA Standards section 309.4, which is one more reason to rent a purpose-built ADA unit instead of trying to make a standard unit work. If your shoot involves any painting, staining or pesticide work on a practical set, OSHA 1926.51(f)(1) requires washing facilities for anyone applying those materials, separate from general crew sanitation. We stock handwashing station rental units and portable sinks for exactly that, plus hand sanitizer station rental as a supplement, not a substitute, since 29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2) requires soap and towels or a hand dryer at wash stations.
| unit | day | week | month |
|---|---|---|---|
| standard | $100-$350 | $130-$500 | $125-$325 |
| deluxe | $85-$1,200 | $150-$290 | - |
| ada | $200-$400 | $240 and up | - |
Short shoots usually run day rate; multi-week productions in Paramount save by locking a weekly or monthly rate up front, detailed further on our porta potty rental cost and monthly porta potty rental pages.
How many restrooms does a 50-person crew need?
Under OSHA 1926.51(c), 50 workers calls for more than the single-unit minimum used for smaller crews. Most productions run two to three standard units plus one ADA unit for a crew that size, and add a trailer for talent. See our how many porta potties do I need guide for headcount math.
Can I get a restroom trailer for a one-day shoot?
Yes. Day rates on restroom trailers run from $175 to $2,500 depending on size and finish, and a luxury restroom trailer is common for talent on single-day shoots. Book early since trailers have fewer units in rotation than standard toilets.
What if my location doesn't have power for a restroom trailer?
Flushable trailers need power for pumps, lights and water heaters. We coordinate with your grip department or arrange a temporary power pole if the location lacks a usable panel. Confirm amperage needs before delivery day.
Does a film set need a permit for portable restrooms?
Placement in a public right of way needs confirming with the City of Paramount before delivery. On private lots and soundstages it's generally not an issue, but check our porta potty permit requirements page before street parking or curb placement.
Can you deliver and pick up same day for a one-day shoot?
Yes, for standard units and some trailers, depending on availability. Call ahead rather than the morning of, especially for restroom trailer rental units, which book faster than standard toilets during busy production months.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.