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

Wausau Municipal Code § 5.63.030(a) makes it unlawful to erect, place, maintain or operate any canopy, sign, work of art, planters, statues or other obstruction on a public street, sidewalk or other public way without first obtaining a permit from the Public Health and Safety Committee of the Wausau Common Council. A narrow carve-out in § 5.63.030(a)(1) exempts an annual sidewalk sale in the Central Business District for a single period of up to five days. Permits run for a fixed cycle: each one is effective for one year from July 1 through the following June 30 (§ 5.63.030(b)), and permission is limited to the specific item, location and size approved (§ 5.63.030(c)).

Applications go in writing to the Inspections Division of the Department of Public Works and must include the applicant's name and address, a detailed description of the proposed obstruction, its specific location, and a current certificate of insurance (§ 5.63.040(a)). The Zoning Administrator circulates complete applications to the Fire Chief, Police Chief, City Attorney, Community Development Director, Director of Public Works, and the Preservation Commission and Public Health and Safety Committee chairs (§ 5.63.040(b)). The Committee must act within 30 days of a completed application, or the permit is deemed denied (§ 5.63.070(a)), and it may attach conditions.

Permittees must carry commercial liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.00 per occurrence naming the City as an additional insured, with 30 days' notice before the policy is cancelled or altered (§ 5.63.060(a)).