Madison, WI Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 8.10 of the Madison General Ordinances, created by ORD-18-00121 on December 3, 2018, covers short-term use of City land that is not already authorized by a lease, easement, license or an approved City policy. The permit is issued by the City department or division responsible for the land, called the Administrative Agency, so a request for park land goes to the division that manages it. The written application must describe the premises by title, lot, block or street, the area sought, the character and duration of the use, and the property or entity being served. It must also include a drawing of the area, the application fee, a certificate of insurance, and an agreement to follow every permit condition.

Fees come in two layers. The application fee is $50 for one to seven days, $75 for eight to thirty days and $100 beyond thirty days, and it doubles for untimely renewals or applications filed after occupation has begun. On top of that, parkland carries an occupancy fee of $50 per day and greenways or drainageways carry $25 per day. Fees and any damage deposit must be paid before the permit or an extension is issued, and the Administrative Agency can waive fees when the permit holder will perform work that benefits the City.

The conditions are specific. A permit lasts no more than 90 days, a renewal request is due at least seven days before expiration, and an extension needs good cause shown in writing. No permit issues where the use would unreasonably interfere with the public's use of the land or create an unreasonable risk to public health, safety and welfare. Nothing can be placed in a vision clearance area under Sec. 27.05(2)(bb). Debris must be cleaned up every day, excavations fenced and backfilled or plated, erodible material covered, and stored materials kept neat and only if authorized. Anything placed on the land must come out on 24 hours' notice when the land is needed for a public purpose. At the end, the area must be restored to its original condition. If the agency estimates damage above $1,000 it can require a damage deposit or a surety bond, and restoration carries a minimum one-year warranty.