Do I need a permit for a porta potty on my own property?
A porta potty on your own driveway, yard or job lot needs no permit in Petaluma. Permits come into play only when the unit sits in the public right of way, such as a street, sidewalk or parking strip, or when it is part of a permitted public event.
Most homeowners and contractors never need a permit. If the unit fits on the driveway or the lot, that is the simplest choice.
When does Petaluma require an encroachment permit?
The City of Petaluma requires an encroachment permit for objects placed in a street or on a sidewalk, which includes portable toilets, dumpsters and storage bins. The city says applications take about 4 business days to review. The Encroachment Permit Counter is at 11 English Street and is reached at 707-778-4303, option 6.
- Apply online through the city's permit portal: City of Petaluma encroachment permit.
- The counter is open Monday through Thursday, 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm.
- Book your delivery date after the permit is approved.
Do events in Sonoma County need a permit?
Events in unincorporated Sonoma County need a Permit Sonoma special event permit when they use public roads, charge admission, have amplified music, run past 11 pm, or include food vendors, tents or more than one day. Permit Sonoma asks for the application at least 60 days before the event.
Permit Sonoma's wastewater policy covers the use of portable toilets at events, so the permit may set your toilet count. Read the county's page: Permit Sonoma special event permits. Events in state or county regional parks apply through those park agencies instead.
What about other cities?
Every city sets its own street-use rules. Santa Rosa, Novato, San Rafael and most North Bay cities issue encroachment permits through Public Works. San Francisco Public Works issues its own street-space permit. When in doubt, call the city's public works counter before you book.
See your town's page for local notes: Santa Rosa, Novato, San Francisco, or all service areas.