Blog · October 6, 2026
Planning Restrooms for an Emergency Shelter
How many restrooms does an emergency shelter need?
A shelter running around the clock needs more stalls than an event, because people use them all day and night. Plan at least 1 stall per 50 people, add handwashing stations at food areas, and schedule pump-outs at least daily. One agency we spoke with started from 1 per 75 and asked us to recommend.
| Residents | Stalls (1 per 50) | Sinks |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | 4 | 1–2 |
| 460 | 10 | 3 |
| 800 | 16 | 4 |
Trailers or porta potties for a shelter?
Restroom trailers suit shelters with power and a level lot because they have running water and lighting. Standard and ADA units fill the gaps quickly and need no hookups. Most shelters use both, with ADA units near the entrance.
See restroom trailers.