What restroom setup works best for a film shoot?
Most crews mix two things: a standard bank for grip and lighting departments, and a quieter restroom trailer or deluxe flushable unit tucked near base camp for cast. A 2 stall restroom trailer handles a small crew day, while an 8 stall restroom trailer covers a bigger call sheet without a line forming between takes. Placement matters as much as unit choice. Sound department will ask you to keep units off gravel or metal decking so foot traffic does not bleed into a boom mic, and production will want them far enough from set that a generator hum does not carry. Kennewick shoots often run trucks and a portable generator rental for film lighting and sound carts together near base camp, and that combination needs real clearance. If your unit needs a hookup or the trailer runs on shore power, ask about a temporary power pole or light tower rental at the same time you book restrooms, since scheduling both together saves a second delivery trip. For multi-day shoots anywhere near Finley, about 7.6 miles east of Kennewick, or Richland, 11.4 miles northwest, factor drive time into your call sheet since delivery windows shift with distance.
How many units does a film crew actually need?
A 15 to 20 person crew day usually runs fine on two standard units and one ADA accessible unit; larger union calls with background talent need more. OSHA 1926.51(c) sets the baseline most productions plan against: one toilet for 20 workers or fewer, then one toilet and one urinal per 40 workers as crew size climbs past that, and one per 50 once you are at 200 or more. A location shoot with background extras can blow past 20 people fast between crew, cast and background, so run the math before you lock your order. Our how many porta potties do I need guide walks through the count by department if you want a second gut check. Productions running near Pasco crews sometimes staff from West Pasco, 8.5 miles north of Kennewick, and stagger call times, which changes your peak headcount on set at any given hour. If a scene involves paint, aerosol coatings or set dressing chemicals, OSHA 1926.51(f)(1) requires washing facilities for anyone applying those materials, so a handwashing station rental earns its keep beyond general sanitation. For a talent trailer combo, our luxury restroom trailer page has specs for productions wanting something closer to a green room than a job site unit.
Where should restrooms sit on a closed set?
Standard units run 44 by 48 inches on the ground and about 92 inches tall, so they fit in a base camp footprint without eating much space, but they still need a flat, stable surface. ADA Standards section 302.1 requires floor and ground surfaces be stable, firm and slip resistant, which matters on a gravel lot or dirt access road common around Kennewick shoot locations. If your set includes anyone using a mobility device, ADA Standards 213.2 requires at least one accessible unit in any cluster of portable toilets, and our ADA restroom requirements guide breaks down clearances like the 36 inch route width in ADA Standards 403.5.1. Roll-off dumpsters for set strike need about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the delivery truck, so plan drop points before trucks arrive, not after. If your location is a private property near Burbank, 17.9 miles east, or West Richland, 16.3 miles northwest, confirm placement with the property owner and, if any portion sits near a public right of way, check with the City of Kennewick before delivery since that placement rule needs confirming locally. Our construction site services page covers combined equipment orders if your set build phase runs longer than the shoot itself.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book restrooms for a film shoot?
Book as soon as your location and call sheet are locked, especially for multi-day shoots needing a restroom trailer or event restroom rental setup. Weekend trailer bookings run higher demand, and standard unit weekend rates start around $125, so early booking protects both availability and price.
Can I get a generator delivered with the restroom trailer?
Yes. Ask for a temporary power pole or generator hookup when you book the trailer so both arrive on the same delivery run. Coordinating power and restrooms together avoids a second truck and keeps your base camp footprint tighter for restroom trailer rental setups.
Do I need a permit for restrooms on a closed film set?
It depends on whether units sit in a public right of way or on private property. Private lots usually do not need city sign-off, but check our porta potty permit requirements page and confirm with the City of Kennewick if any unit is near a street or sidewalk.
What is the difference between a standard unit and a deluxe unit for talent?
A standard unit is a basic non-flushing toilet, while a deluxe flushable unit includes a flush mechanism and a nicer interior, running from $85 a day. Productions with cast trailers often pair deluxe units or a small restroom trailer with standard units for crew.
How often do units get serviced during a multi-day shoot?
ANSI/PSAI Z4.3 sets a baseline of one service visit per week for up to 10 users across a 40 hour week, but busy sets often need more frequent visits. Talk to Kennewick Porta Pros about a daily or every-other-day schedule if your call sheet runs long hours with a large crew.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.