On-Line Special Event Permit Application

Special Event Permit Information

"Special Event" means any planned extraordinary, temporary use of the public right of way or public premises of 25 people or more including but not limited to parades, processions, demonstrations, bicycle or foot races, and festivals.

Applications should be submitted 30 days prior to the event (90 days prior to Downtown events). Applications submitted after the deadline(s) will be assessed a $50 late fee.

PLEASE NOTE: "Special Event Notification and Approval Petition" must be signed by property owners or their representatives who will be directly impacted by the event and uploaded for submission with the Special Event Permit Application. If you do not believe you are required to get petition signatures, please upload a letter/statement explaining why. 

Insurance Requirement When Using Police Services

A Certificate of Insurance listing the City of Milwaukee as an additional insured must be furnished for all events that require police services as determined by the Milwaukee Police Department.

b-1. Each applicant for a Class A, B or C event shall furnish with the application fee submitted to the department of public works a certificate of insurance written by a company licensed in the state of Wisconsin, approved by the city and covering any and all liability or obligations which may result from the operations by the applicant’s employes, agents, contractors or subcontractors, and including worker’s compensation coverage in accordance with ch. 101, Wis. Stats. The certificate shall provide that the company will furnish the city with a 10-day written notice of cancellation, non-renewal or material change. The insurance shall be written in comprehensive form and shall protect the applicant and city against all claims arising from injuries to members of the public or damage to property of others arising out of any act or omission of the applicant, its employes, agents, contractors and subcontractors.

b-2. The policy of insurance shall provide minimum combined single bodily injury and property damage of $1,000,000, or such other insurance as deemed to be adequate by the city attorney.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works Special Event Permit Office at (414) 286-3915.

Permit Applicant Information

Event Information

Equipment Request

State law and city ordinance (79-35) require all events to recycle the following items: bottles and jars made of glass or plastic, metal cans, and cardboard. Visit milwaukee.gov/recycleguide for more details on what should be recycled at your event.

1–3 dumpsters = $277
4–6 dumpsters = $554
7–9 dumpsters = $831

(Clickable Link to Petition Form)

(A Neighborhood Approval Petition must be submitted by all applicants each time an application for block closure is applied for. A document must be uploaded below, either a petition or a document explaining why the requirement should be waived.)

Other permits which may be necessary for your event include:

• Sell Food	City Clerk License Div.	(414) 286-2238
  Sell Alcoholic Beverages	City Clerk License Div.	(414) 286-2238
  Sell non-food items (ex: T-shirts)	City Clerk License Div.	(414) 286-2238
  Carnival Rides	City Clerk License Div.	(414) 286-2238
  Tents larger than 600 sq. ft.	Development Center	(414) 286-8210
  Bleachers	Development Center	(414) 286-8210
  Water Supply or Sewer Connection	Dept. of Neighborhood Services	(414) 286-3361
  Fireworks	Dept. of Neighborhood Services	(414) 286-2268
  Amplified Sound/Noise Variance Permit	Dept. of Neighborhood Services	(414) 286-3280

This permit includes the following provisions to which the applicant agrees by signature:

• Proposed routes may be altered at the discretion of the Police Department and the Department of Public Works.  
• The permit holder is responsible for any damage to plantings, grass and irrigation systems on city boulevards and green spaces.  A deposit of $500 for the use of each stretch of boulevard and/or green space is required prior to issuance of the permit.  An additional deposit may be required for trees.  Permit holder is responsible for cleanup of garbage and litter generated by the event.
• In addition to the petition, flyers which detail the event must be distributed to those living and/or working in the area at least five days prior to the event. The flyer must include the nature of the event, date, time, and contact information for a representative who can answer questions or concerns relative to the event. The flyer and a list of recipients must be attached to this application upon submittal. Applications are to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event- except Downtown events, which must be submitted at least 90-days prior to the event. To ensure community support, applicants are required to submit a neighborhood notification and approval petition with each application. Signatures must be obtained from those who will be directly affected by the event.

I, the [applicant, requestor, etc.] for this Special Event Permit Application, warrant the truthfulness of the information provided in this application.  This permit is subject to the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, the City Charter and all rules and regulations governing street rights-of-way.  The applicant agrees to indemnify and save harmless the City from and against all liabilities, claims, demands, judgments, losses and all suits at law or in equity, cost and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, for injury or death of any person or loss or damage to the property of any person firm, organization or corporation, including both parties hereto and their employees, arising from the holding of such special event.  The applicant agrees that during the use of the public area, the sponsoring organization will not exclude any person from participation in, deny anyone the benefits of, or otherwise subject anyone to discrimination because of race, color, national origin or handicap.