Madison, WI Special Events & Permits: Parklets (2026)
Key Facts
- Local name
- "Streatery"
- Insurance required
- $1,000,000 CGL
- Seasonal fee
- $7.50/sq ft Mall, $5.00 Citywide
- Season
- April 15 – Nov 15 (winter add-on)
- Fire lane required
- 20 ft minimum
- Renewal
- none: must reapply each term
Summary
Madison's version of a parklet is the Roadway Cafe Expansion License, an add-on that lets a licensed sidewalk cafe extend seating into a parking lane (also called a 'Streatery'), but only alongside a separate Roadway Cafe Permit issued under MGO § 10.30, plus $1 million in liability insurance.
Roadway Cafe Expansion License is an add-on to a Sidewalk Cafe License that authorizes all of the activities allowed for a Regular Sidewalk Cafe to take place in a portion of the roadway (also known as a "Streatery"). A Roadway Cafe Expansion License cannot be issued without an approved Roadway Cafe Permit for the identical space, under Sec. 10.30.
Full Breakdown
135(2) defines a Roadway Cafe Expansion License as 'an add-on to a Sidewalk Cafe License that authorizes all of the activities allowed for a Regular Sidewalk Cafe to take place in a portion of the roadway (also known as a "Streatery"). A Roadway Cafe Expansion License cannot be issued without an approved Roadway Cafe Permit for the identical space, under Sec. 30(6)(c)1. 30(5)(b)5. 00 per square foot (citywide, seasonal), with cheaper winter rates. The seasonal permit runs April 15 to November 15; winter operation is a separate, optional add-on through April 14.
The City can terminate the permit on 10 days' written notice under Wis. 0425(2), and there is no renewal, an expired permit requires a new application. 31.
Violations & Fines
A Roadway Cafe operating without both the § 9.135 Sidewalk Cafe License and a valid § 10.30 Roadway Cafe Permit is a forfeiture violation under MGO § 9.135: $200 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $300 for a third or later violation in the same year. Separately, the Director of Traffic Engineering can revoke the permit for any ordinance violation, with 24 hours to cure unless there is an immediate public-safety threat, and the City may terminate any permit outright on 10 days' notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Madison's equivalent of a parklet?
Do I need two separate city approvals?
How much insurance is required?
Can the City shut down my parklet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
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