Milwaukee County, WI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required from
- Director of Public Works
- Delivery/refuse exemption
- Up to 30 minutes
- Exemption frequency
- No more than twice weekly
- Minimum clear sidewalk width
- 3 feet for pedestrians
- Chapter 67 penalty
- $50 to $500 forfeiture
Summary
Milwaukee County requires a director-of-public-works permit before anyone places material, equipment, sheds, fences, or other structures in a public way or sidewalk, per General Ordinances § 67.05.
No property owner, public/private facility owner or their contractor shall erect, place, or store any material, equipment, shed, roof, fence, or temporary walk, guard, device, or any other structure within the public ways without first obtaining a permit from the director of public works.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).
Full Breakdown
Section 67.05 governs temporary use of the public way during construction and repair work. Subsection (2) bars placing material, equipment, sheds, fences, temporary walks, guards or other structures in a public way without a director-of-public-works permit. A narrow carve-out in subsection (4) lets fuel-delivery or refuse trucks partially block a sidewalk for loading, but only up to 30 minutes, no more than twice a week, and only if at least 3 feet of sidewalk stays clear for pedestrians. Anything longer, more frequent, or narrower than that requires a permit under this section or the excavation permit rules in § 67.01.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted obstructions can be ordered removed at the violator's expense; Chapter 67 violations carry a $50 to $500 forfeiture plus costs and up to 90 days in the house of correction under § 67.03.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I temporarily block a sidewalk for a delivery truck?
What happens if I place a shed or fence in the public way without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee County
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