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

Sec. 10.05 of the Sauk County Code requires a written permit before holding any planned or advertised public meeting or assembly, sporting or athletic event, or other special event within a Sauk County park. The permit is issued by the Director of the Land Resources and Environment Department, or the Director's designee, and applicants obtain the special event application and policy directly from the department. Chapter 10's definitions section describes a 'special event' broadly to include any temporary use of county property that requires exclusive use or closure of part of a facility, involves placing temporary structures or event apparatus, includes sale of beverages, food or merchandise, requires non-routine staff services, runs beyond normal operating hours, needs equipment not otherwise authorized, or charges participation fees; rental of the terrace and associated temporary structures for a private event is exempted from that definition.

Separate rules under Sec. 10.15(c) govern permits specifically for the Historic Courthouse Park, which are issued by the County Building Services Department rather than the Land Resources and Environment Department. Because a special event permit is a use authorization layered on top of the park's general operating rules, an event holder must also comply with Chapter 10's other provisions on fees, noise, sales, fires and vehicle use, and the Director may authorize activities, such as amplified sound or extended hours, that would otherwise be restricted under the general park rules.