New Berlin, WI Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Section 152-23 defines a Special Event broadly to include sporting events, festivals, fairs, parades, walks, races, markets, block parties and similar activities that use public streets, rights-of-way or sidewalks, or that create substantial impacts on City operations or neighbors. Beyond the general Special Event Permit, the ordinance layers on separate permits by activity: vendors, including mobile vendors, operating on City property, public rights-of-way, or private property at the event must get a Direct Sellers Permit from the Clerk's Office and abide by Section 152-5, and Parks, Buildings and Grounds Commission approval is additionally required for direct sellers on City property.

Beer or wine sales at a festival require a separate Temporary Class B Retailer's License, with a licensee or operator's-license holder present on site. Event signage requires a Sign Permit from the Department of Community Development under Section 275-61, and fireworks displays require a separate Fireworks Permit approved by the Common Council. The base Special Event Permit application itself must disclose whether food, merchandise, or donations will be collected, and City department review, including Police, Fire, Public Works and Community Development, is required before approval.