Community Events on Madison Streets

The use of Madison streets, sidewalks, or parking spaces/lanes for an event or activity requires a Street Use Permit.

Street Use Permit applications are reviewed at Street Use Staff Commission public, biweekly meetings.

The Street Use Staff Commission approves or denies a Street Use Permit based on the Standards of Issuance in MGO 10.056.

A permit is required for any of the following:

• The event/activity would close or reserve any portion of a Madison street, sidewalk, parking lane or space.
• The proposed time for the event/activity would create more than minimal disruption or rerouting of traffic from the requested street(s).
• The event/activity is scheduled at one of the downtown performance spaces outside of the time periods allowed by Downtown Performance Space Permit.

PERMIT APPLICATION, INSTRUCTIONS & FEE SCHEDULE

• Street Use Permit instructions – information and instructions for Street Use permits
• *Apply Online!* Online Street Use Permit application
• Street Use Permit application: PDF | MS Word) – email or mail/drop off at Parks Division / 330 E Lakeside St / Madison, WI 53715.
• Street Use Permit fee schedule
• Event Accessibility Plan: PDF | MS Word

REQUIRED EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

• Emergency Action Plan Form A: PDF | MS Word – required for all events with an estimated attendance of less than 1,000.
• Emergency Action Plan Form B: PDF | MS Word – required for all events with an estimated attendance of 1,000-9,999.
• Custom Emergency Action Plan is required for all events with an estimated attendance over 10,000, as an addendum to the application.
• Watch the Community Event Safety Symposium to help develop an Emergency Action Plan – a video of the City of Madison 2024 Safety Symposium.

DOWNTOWN MADISON EVENT RESTRICTIONS

• Downtown Zone restrictions – if your event is in the Downtown Zone (see DZ map) and has a traveling component (such as a march, parade or run/walk), review these special considerations before applying.
• Downtown Zone map 
• Downtown Zone special rules
• Exceptions to the Downtown Zone Rules: legacy events, premier events or City sponsored events – email to see if your event qualifies for an exception.

When to apply:

The application, documents and non-refundable application fee must be submitted:

• At least 60 days prior to your event if alcohol will be sold or a Special Event Resolution is needed to allow merchandise to be sold in the Mall Concourse area and / or organizers want to select their own vendors and invalidate City Vendors' licenses within the event perimeter.
• At least 30 days prior to your event, if event does not require additional licenses or resolutions. If your event requires a Certificate of Insurance, it must be received by the City of Madison Risk Management Office 30 days prior to the event.
• Email or call, (608) 264-9289, to see if your preferred date and location are available or with any questions.