Wausau, WI Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Chief of Police
- Application deadline
- 7 days before the event
- Fine range
- $10 to $100 per offense
- Governing law
- Wausau Municipal Code Ch. 10.32
- Littering ban
- No dumping on streets/sidewalks
Summary
Wausau requires anyone who wants to use a city street for a parade, procession, or similar public assembly to get a permit from the Chief of Police before the event. Applications must be filed at least seven days ahead under Wausau Municipal Code §§ 10.32.010 and 10.32.030, and littering along the route is banned under § 10.32.050.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, association, group of persons, or corporations, to use or occupy any street within the City for the purpose of holding thereon a parade, procession, or other similar use, without first obtaining a permit therefor from the chief of police, as provided in this chapter. ... An application for a permit to use any street in the City for the purposes described in section 10.32.010 shall be made to the Chief of Police not less than seven days prior to the date of such proposed use. ... Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall forfeit not less than $10.00, nor more than $100.00, for each such offense, together with the costs of prosecution, and in default of the payment of such forfeiture and costs of prosecution shall be committed to the county jail for not more than ten days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
010, it is unlawful for any person, firm, association, group of persons, or corporation to use or occupy any city street to hold a parade, procession, or similar use without a permit issued by the Chief of Police. Wisconsin municipal police powers under Wis. 23 place that authority with the City, not with Marathon County, which governs land outside Wausau's limits. 030 requires the application to reach the Chief of Police at least seven days before the event, describing the nature of the proposed use, the number of participants, and the sponsoring organization; the chief may shorten that window for good cause.
040 gives the Chief of Police discretion to withhold a permit unless satisfied the parade will not be harmful, dangerous, or injurious to public health, safety, persons, or property, and any deviation from the permit's terms without prior approval is itself a violation. 050 separately bans littering: no participant may throw or deposit objects or materials on any street or sidewalk during the event. These rules date to Ordinance 61-4450 (1980) and were last amended by Ordinance 61-5695 in 2016. 44 are also needed.
Violations & Fines
Violating Wausau Municipal Code § 10.32.060 carries a forfeiture of not less than $10.00 nor more than $100.00 per offense, plus the costs of prosecution. If the violator does not pay the forfeiture and costs, the code allows commitment to the county jail for up to ten days in default of payment. Holding an unpermitted parade or changing the parade's route without the Chief of Police's prior approval both qualify as violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues parade permits in Wausau?
How far ahead must I apply?
What happens if I skip the permit?
Can the permit be changed mid-parade?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wausau
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