The state's mass-gathering sanitation standard works to about one toilet seat per 50 people, but it applies to events outside a municipality. For an event inside El Paso, the City of El Paso reviews restroom availability against expected attendance. No El Paso ratio was found, so confirm the count with the city and size the cluster from your own estimate.
Key takeaways
- The state standard works to about one toilet seat per 50 people, and it applies outside a municipality.
- The City of El Paso reviews restroom availability against expected attendance.
- No El Paso toilets-per-attendee ratio was found, so none is given here.
- Count for the peak of the event, not the average.
- Accessible units are a separate count, and they should be planned from the start.
What does the state's mass-gathering standard say?
The state sanitation standard for mass gatherings works to about one toilet seat per 50 people, with toilets separate for each sex, screened from view and with handwashing close by. It is part of the rules for events held outside a municipality.
The standard is quoted through county mass-gathering packets that cite the state rule. The rule text itself should be read before you rely on it for a specific count.
The standard also expects drinking water at about one pint per person per hour. Plan for water as well as for toilets.
- About one toilet seat per 50 people.
- Toilets separate for each sex, screened from view.
- Handwashing close to each toilet.
- Drinking water at about one pint per person per hour.
When does the state statute apply?
The Texas mass-gathering statute covers events held outside a municipality that expect more than 2,500 people, or more than 500 where at least 51 percent are under 21 and alcohol is sold, served or consumed. It also applies to events lasting more than five continuous hours or running between 10 pm and 4 am.
Because the statute covers only events outside a municipality, it does not govern an event held inside El Paso's city limits. A city event is reviewed under city rules, not this statute.
The county runs the permit for a mass gathering outside a municipality. El Paso County's own procedure, fee and deadline were not sourced, so ask the county directly.
What does the City of El Paso look at?
The City of El Paso's temporary-use application asks for a layout that shows tents, canopies, portable restrooms and stages. The permit official considers restroom facilities against expected attendance.
No El Paso ratio of toilets to attendees was found, and a ratio should not be assumed. Ask the permit office what it expects for your event and get the answer in writing.
Show the restroom locations on the layout you file, and tie each unit to a walking route from the crowd area.
How should you size a cluster for a real crowd?
Size a cluster from the expected crowd at the peak of the event, adjusted for the event's length and the mix of people. Give the provider the estimate, and let it place the units along the crowd's route.
Crowds arrive and leave in waves, so the peak can be far above the average. An event that runs for a few hours can need more units at the start and end than in the middle.
Plan an accessible share of the cluster from the start, and a second servicing visit for a long event.
Frequently asked questions
How many portable toilets for 500 people in El Paso?
No El Paso ratio was found. Confirm the count with the City of El Paso permit office and have the provider size the cluster from the peak crowd and the event length.
Does the state standard apply inside El Paso city limits?
The statute covers events outside a municipality, so it does not govern an event inside the city. Ask the city which standard its permit review applies.
Do I need drinking water as well as toilets?
The state standard expects drinking water at about one pint per person per hour for a mass gathering outside a municipality. Plan water with the toilets.
How many accessible units should an event have?
The federal cluster rule asks for about 5 percent of units at each cluster to be accessible, with a minimum of one often cited. The provider confirms the count for your site.
Sources
This guide is general information for El Paso County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.