Fitchburg, WI Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Fitchburg's street use ordinance, Chapter 27, Article II, Division 2, treats a neighborhood event that uses a street without closing it, the kind of gathering typical of a block party, differently from an event that shuts a street down for a parade or festival. Section 27-48(b) requires the organizers of such a neighborhood event to register with the city clerk not less than two weeks before the event, rather than filing the full street use permit application, appearing before the public safety and human services committee, and meeting the 30-day or two-month lead times that Section 27-48(a) imposes on street-closing events.

Once the clerk forwards the registration to the necessary city staff and receives a response, the clerk notifies the registrant of the staff's determination. If staff approves the registration, no further action is required and the event can proceed. If staff denies it, Section 27-48(b) gives the registrant the right to appeal that denial using the same appeal procedure Section 27-50(c) provides for a denied street use permit: filing a notice of appeal with the city clerk within ten days, stating the basis for the appeal, for the common council to review by majority vote.

This two-track structure means Fitchburg residents planning a block party that keeps the street open to occasional traffic face a lighter administrative registration rather than the committee hearing and insurance requirements that apply to a full street closure.