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Parks

Street Use Permit

Street event with vendors and tents and people walking in the street

City streets are designed for general public use and travel. However, certain special activities—such as parades, festivals, or neighborhood events—may be allowed under municipal regulations, through a Street Use permit.

Do I Need a Street Use Permit?

A Street Use permit is required if any of the following apply:

  • The event closes or reserves any portion of a Madison street, sidewalk, parking lane, or parking space
  • The event includes structures, amplified sound, vending (food, merchandise, etc.), or promotional activities located on any portion of a Madison street, sidewalk, parking lane, or parking spaces
  • The event is held on private property or indoors but requires reserved parking spaces or is expected to affect traffic flow due to attendee ingress and egress

 

Application & Fees

  1. Gather Event Information

  2. Apply for the Street Use Permit

    Apply Online

    A non-refundable application fee and some permit fees are required when submitting your application. 

    Any remaining fees will be invoiced and issued with the permit, if approved.

    Required Documents

    You will need to attach the following documents to your online application:

  3. Pre-Meetings

    Some events must hold pre-meetings with specific City agencies, depending on event details. Parks staff will notify applicants and help schedule required or optional meetings.

    Visit MGO 10.056(3) for more information.

  4. Application Review Phase

    Street Use Staff Team Meeting

    • Completed applications are reviewed at biweekly staff meetings. 
    • Applicants may be asked to attend for questions or clarifications. 

    Permit Outcome

    • Conditional Approval - granted pending insurance or other documents
    • Denial - if the event does not meet one or more Standards of Issuance (MGO 10.056(6)).

     

Additional Information

Downtown Madison Restrictions / Requirements
  • Downtown Zone restrictions – if your event is in the Downtown Zone and has a traveling component, such as a march, parade or run/walk, review these special restrictions before applying.
  • Vending in Downtown Madison is heavily regulated. Street Use Events planning to have vending downtown will need to be on the Special Event Resolution. This resolution allows the City to suspend vending restrictions for events. To get your event on the Special Event Resolution, email: madisonevents@cityofmadison.com. A 60-day notification is required.

Public Notification Requirements

Some events require the event organizer to contact residents, alders or businesses to notify them of the event.

Events that fit any of the following, have public notification requirements:

  • Large public events of three (3) or more blocks
  • 10,000 or more estimated attendance
  • Any event requiring Metro route detour, Metro stop closure, or significant traffic rerouting

Before attending a Street Use Staff Team meeting:

  • Within five (5) days of filing the application, the applicant shall send a copy of the application to the alder(s) and neighborhood organization(s) where the street use is requested 
  • The applicant shall keep a record of all public comments and provide them to the Street Use Staff Team meeting when the application is reviewed

After attending a Street Use Staff Team meeting and receiving conditional approval:

  • The applicant shall provide notice announcing the event to each occupant on the street(s) that will be closed or where access is impacted, prior to the event 
  • The applicant shall also promptly notify any merchants or building occupants identified and requested by the Street Use Staff Team
  • The applicant will notify the alder(s) of the event approval and provide event details, including day-of-contact information

Additional Permits You May Need

Events with large tents, food and/or merchandise vending, and beer/wine service require additional licensing and permitting.

Reach out to the indicated agency below for specific questions on any additional licensing or permitting for your event.

City of Madison Fire Department: 608-266-4420 | fire@cityofmadison.com

Licenses and Permits - please review to see if your event plans require additional licenses or permits. 

  • Large tents, over 400 square feet
  • Tents with walls
  • Outdoor assemblies with fencing or enclosed on two sides
  • Bonfire component - a General Burning Permit is required if the event does not comply with MGO 34.307

Parks Division: 608-264-9289 | madisonevents@cityofmadison.com 

  • Park Event permit is required if any portion of your event is in or adjacent to a City of Madison park

Economic Development Division: 608-261-9171 | streetvending@cityofmadison.com

Zoning Department: 608-266-4551 | zoning@cityofmadison.com 

Zoning permits - may be required if your event setup or activities include use of private property. 

  • Temporary Use permit is required if any portion of your event is on private property (parking lots)
  • Private Noise Amplification permit may be required if you will have amplified sound on private property

City Clerk's Office: 608-266-4601 | clerk@cityofmadison.com 

Public Health of Madison Dane County: 608-242-6515 | Leadmin@publichealthmdc.com

Public Health licenses - may be required if you are serving or selling food at a public event. 

  • A Transient Food Stand License is required for food vendors setting up temporary food stands to serve or sell food at public events
  • A Mobile Establishment License is required for food cart vendors selling or serving food at public events

State of Wisconsin

  • Department of Revenue - 608-264-4582 - S-240 Form is required for any event that has vendors selling food, merchandise, etc. at the event
  • WI State Capitol Police - 608-266-7840 - State Facility (Capitol Grounds) Use permit is required for any event requesting to use Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds 
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