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

Sec. 14-150 of the Waukesha County Code governs permits for public meetings, assemblies and sporting or athletic events in the park system. An application must be filed in writing and received by the director of parks and land use, or the director's designee, no less than 10 working days before the event, and must state the applicant's name, address and phone number; the sponsoring person, corporation or association; a description of the activity; the specific park and portion of it requested; the date, start time and end time; estimated attendance; and any special needs such as kitchen access, utilities, parking, a tent, sound equipment or security.

A permit must issue if the application is complete, the requested site has not already been reserved under another permit, the site will safely handle the anticipated crowd without physical damage, the activity is not otherwise unlawful, and for athletic events the site can accommodate the activity itself. A separate rule, Sec. 14-170(b), layers on a Special Use Agreement requirement for any event that invites the public, closes off areas of the park, or brings in special equipment or amusement features, on top of whatever fee the director has set under the park fee schedule in Sec.

14-170(a). An applicant denied a permit has a right of appeal to the Executive Committee of the County Board, filed in writing with the Office of the County Board Chairman within 10 days of the denial; the Executive Committee must act on the appeal within 30 days of receiving it.