De Pere, WI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

De Pere Code of Ordinances § 106-6(b)(1) requires anyone who wants to encroach on or obstruct city right-of-way, or other city or redevelopment authority property that is not park land, to obtain a revocable occupancy permit, unless the use is already allowed under some other section of the code. The written request goes to the development services director, or to the city manager or assistant city manager if the director is unavailable, and it must describe the location and purpose of the encroachment and how long it is expected to last, with a scaled map attached whenever possible.

Every requestor must also carry liability insurance in limits the city attorney approves, naming the city, and the redevelopment authority when it applies, as an additional insured on the policy. Permits for right-of-way encroachments specifically must comply with Wis. 0425, the state statute governing municipal regulation of highways and streets. The director reviews each request for compliance with state, federal and local transportation and accessibility rules and for safety concerns; once approved, the city attorney drafts the permit with any conditions the director requires or that state or federal law demands, and the planning director executes it on the city's behalf after the applicant signs.

Permits can be renewed administratively as long as the holder keeps meeting the permit's requirements. Two specific encroachment types get their own added rules under subsection (b)(2): news boxes, capped at 52 by 34 by 20 inches with minimum clearances from curbs, driveways and crosswalks, and sidewalk cafes. If a request is denied, the applicant or an interested party can appeal to the board of public works within ten days, and the board must hold a hearing and issue a written decision within 20 days after that.