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

31, anyone occupying public street right-of-way for more than 90 days, a bay window, underground vault, awning, or similar structure, must apply to the Economic Development Division of the Planning and Community and Economic Development Department. The application requires a nonrefundable $750 processing fee, a Report of Ownership, and a scaled drawing showing the encroachment's location and square footage. If the Director approves, the applicant signs a recorded agreement and pays an annual rental fee: for each story of use, 5% of the abutting lot's assessed square-foot value multiplied by the square footage occupied (10% for surface use), or $500, whichever is greater, recalculated every five years.

Monitoring wells and similar installations carry a $500 base fee plus $100 per additional location. The applicant must also carry commercial general liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Existing sidewalk vaults face separate loading standards (100-250 psf depending on vehicular restriction) and must be certified safe or removed within 80 days of a deficiency notice. Some uses are fee-exempt, including neighborhood identification signs, bicycle racks, Little Free Libraries, and approved bus shelters or transit seating. 05 may issue on a property with an unresolved encroachment unless an emergency exists.