Irving Special Event Permits: The Porta Potty Rules
By the Jeffrey Rental Works operations team · Published and reviewed October 5, 2026
Does my Irving event need a special event permit?
An Irving event needs a special event permit under Code Chapter 33B when it uses public property for things like a street closure, a stage, trailers, portable buildings or portable toilets. The code lists placing portable toilets on public property as its own trigger. A private party on private land usually needs no permit.
Source: Irving Code §33B-2. When unsure, ask the city's special events office before you book units.
When is the Irving permit application due?
The Irving special event preliminary application is due at least 90 days before the event and no more than 365 days ahead, under §33B-6. The application fee is $375. Filing inside 90 days adds a $250 late fee. Estimated city service costs are due at least 15 days before the event.
Irving also requires $2,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance (§33B-8(b)(1)). Your application is routed to fire, inspections, risk management, traffic, solid waste, code enforcement and communications. Get the form: Irving special event permit application (PDF).
How many porta potties does Irving require?
Irving requires a minimum number of portable toilets based on daily attendance and event length under §33B-14(a). An event of up to 50 people needs 1 unit for 1–4 hours. An event of 251–500 people needs 5 units for 4 hours and 8 for 10 hours. Large events scale up to 100 units.
| Daily attendance | 1 hour | 4 hours | 8 hours | 10 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 101–250 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| 251–500 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| 501–1,000 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| 1,001–2,000 | 8 | 17 | 19 | 20 |
The coordinator may require more units if attendance passes 10,000, the event runs over 10 hours per day, alcohol is served, or the event's history shows a need (§33B-14(b)).
What is Irving's hand wash station rule?
Irving's rule, §33B-14(c), says permitted events shall provide a hand-wash facility within 20 feet of every portable toilet, at a minimum of 1 hand-wash facility for every 4 portable toilets. An event with 10 toilets needs 3 stations, because 10 ÷ 4 = 2.5, rounded up. Place them beside each cluster.
| Portable toilets | Hand wash stations required | Math |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 1 | Up to 4 ÷ 4 = 1 |
| 5–8 | 2 | 8 ÷ 4 = 2 |
| 10 | 3 | 2.5 → round up |
| 17 | 5 | 4.25 → round up |
| 20 | 5 | 20 ÷ 4 = 5 |
What about food booths?
Food booths at an Irving event need a temporary food permit from Irving Health, filed at least 3 full business days before the event or a $50 late fee applies. The fee is $50 plus $5 per day per booth. Texas rules also require conveniently located toilet facilities for food events.
Sources: Irving Health Inspections; Texas DSHS temporary food fact sheet.
A simple Irving permit timeline
Start an Irving event plan at least 4 months out. File the preliminary application by day 90, reserve porta potties and hand wash stations by day 60, confirm the site map by day 30, pay city service estimates by day 15, and confirm the delivery window one week before the event.
- 120 days out: pick the site and estimate peak attendance.
- 90 days out: file the preliminary application ($375).
- 60 days out: reserve units; we help with counts that meet §33B-14.
- 15 days out: pay estimated city service costs.
- 1 week out: confirm placement and delivery window.
This article summarizes the code for planning. It is not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the City of Irving.
Quick answers
Does a backyard party in Irving need a permit for a porta potty?
No, not for a normal private party on your own property.
Can the city ask for more units than the table?
Yes, for very large crowds, events over 10 hours, alcohol, or a history of problems.
Do hand wash stations count toward the toilet total?
No. They are separate. You need both.
Can you send a unit count for my application?
Yes. Call with your attendance and hours and we will match the code table.