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

Article VI of Chapter 110 of the Sheboygan Municipal Code governs block parties. Section 110-311 defines a block party as a gathering of abutting neighbors and their relatives and friends held within a city street right-of-way or other public thoroughfare in a primarily residential neighborhood that has been temporarily closed for the occasion. Section 110-314 lets the chief of police grant the closure permit, on application by a resident of the affected portion of the street.

The application under section 110-313(a) must give the time and date the street will be closed, the exact portion of the street to be closed, a list of all adults who reside or do business on that portion, a statement that all those adults have been contacted together with a list of those who objected, a description of the steps to ensure safety, and any other rules promulgated by the common council. Under subsection (b), if any person who resides or does business in the blocked-off portion objects, the application shall be denied.

Section 110-314 lists three further bars. No permit is granted when the street is part of the federal, state or county trunk highway system or is a major through street as determined by the chief of police or a designee; when the closure will, will be likely to or will tend to cause unreasonable traffic congestion, a disturbance of the peace or endangerment of public health, welfare and safety; or when access to a business place would be hampered.

Section 110-315 sets the permittee's duties. Accepting the permit makes the applicant primarily liable for damages to persons or property because of the closing, and the city is not liable. The permittee must notify the police and fire departments, bus companies and private ambulance services 24 hours before the closing, and is responsible for procuring, placing and maintaining the barricades. Barricades must completely block vehicular traffic, and lights and reflectors must be on them during hours when headlights are required. Music and noise must stay at a reasonable level, and amplified noise or music is prohibited. A denied applicant can appeal to the common council. Section 110-316 holds block parties to the window between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Street festivals, covered by article VIII, are defined separately and exclude block parties.