Madison, WI Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MGO § 10.056
- Block party review track
- § 10.056(5)(b)5
- Block party application fee
- $50
- Standard filing deadline
- 14 days (30 if bus detour needed)
- Forfeiture for unpermitted closure
- $50–$500
- Appeal path
- Administrative Review Board, § 9.49
Summary
A neighborhood block party that closes a Madison street runs through the same Street Use Permit at MGO § 10.056 as any other event. A one-day block party reviewed under § 10.056(5)(b)5 costs a $50 application fee, and applications for smaller closures are due at least 14 days ahead: 30 days if the closure needs a bus detour.
(b)Deadline for Applications.1.An application to close three (3) or more blocks or to close a street or streets that will require any bus route detours or substantial rerouting of vehicular traffic shall be submitted not less than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning date of the proposed event.2.An application to close less than three (3) blocks that will not require any bus route detour or substantial rerouting of vehicular traffic shall be submitted not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the beginning date of the proposed event. ... (7)Fees.(a)Application Fee. The application fee for a one-day event reviewable under Sec. 10.056(5)(b)5. (i.e. block party) is fifty dollars ($50), the application fee for all other one-day events is one hundred dollars ($100).
Full Breakdown
056, the Street Use Ordinance, governs any use of a Madison street, sidewalk or public square beyond ordinary travel, and its findings expressly recognize the City's tradition of approving Street Use Permits for festivals, gatherings, athletic events, charity events, demonstrations, parades and other gatherings subject to Wis. 185. Applications go to the Parks Division and are routed for review to City Engineering, the Fire and Police Departments, Metro Transit, the Parking Division, Risk Management and Transportation/Traffic Engineering, with Public Health Madison & Dane County pulled in specifically for events involving food service or animals.
056(7)(a) prices at a $50 application fee versus $100 for other one-day events. 056(6) standards of issuance if the closure would substantially interrupt traffic, overtax police or fire response, conflict with another permitted event on the same date, or fail required safety minimums such as a 20-foot emergency-vehicle lane and an 8-foot pedestrian walkway. 49. 056(7)(b).
Violations & Fines
Holding, sponsoring or being in charge of a block party street closure without an issued Street Use Permit, or continuing after a permit has been terminated for public-safety reasons, is punishable under § 10.056(12) by a forfeiture of not less than $50 nor more than $500 per violation. The same range applies to violating a permit condition or supplying false information on the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to close my street for a block party in Madison?
How much does a Madison block party permit cost?
How far ahead do I need to apply?
What if the City denies my block party application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
Compare Madison to another location·View the Wisconsin special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Block Party Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle block party permits.