Apply for a permit as soon as event planning begins; at least 30 days prior to the event. By ordinance, Downtown events require 60 days advance application. The permit process takes time because of the number of agencies we notify and coordinate with, for example, Police and Fire for safety and traffic coordination, DPW for construction and street maintenance conflicts, and ordering equipment, such as parking signs, parking meter hoods, barricades and dumpsters.

Proposed routes may be altered at the discretion of the Milwaukee Police Department and the Department of Public Works. The Special Event Permit staff will work with the applicant to select an alternate route.