What is a Special Event?

A Special Event Permit is required when the event involves:

• Closing and exclusive use of a public street, alley, or public right of way. 
• Has over 250 people at any one time attending the event on private property, except those situations where a constitutional right is being expressed - marches and public assemblies.
• City ordinances and rules require public safety support by city employees.
• Will require extraordinary services by any city department.
• Hours of the event extend beyond those otherwise adopted in city ordinances.
• Alcohol, beverages, food, and/or merchandise will be offered for purchase.

Don't know if your event qualifies? Email the Wauwatosa Police Department at PD-SpecialEvents@wauwatosa.net or call (414) 471-8430.

Application & Permit Process Information

• Special Event Applicant Organizer Notification
• Agency Notification Certification 
• Special Events Ordinance– Chapter 7.50 – Special Events

• Special Events Ordinance – Chapter 12.40.010 - Blocking Streets for Unusual Purposes

How to Apply

All Special Event applications must be submitted online through the city's self-service portal.

1. Create an account.
2. Once logged in, under permits, choose from three special event types.
3. Follow the prompts and fill in all required fields.
4. Attachments will be required. (See list below)
5. After submittal, staff will complete an initial review of the application.
6. You will receive an invoice for the $250 application fee. Once payment is received, your application will be reviewed by all relevant departments. After all staff have reviewed, if additional service fees apply, a final invoice will be issued.
7.  Payment for those services must be paid before the permit can be issued.
8.  Once paid, we will email the permit to the email provided in the application.

Attachments required:

• Certificate of Insurance (must have a minimum liability of $1 million per occurrence and name the City of Wauwatosa and its employees as an additional insured).
• Parking plan, including the estimated number of vehicles. 
• If your event is a run/walk, include your proposed route plan. Or, you may select one of the approved routes. (See below)

Approved Run/Walk Routes

Below are available approved run/walk routes:

Things to Know

• Main Point of Contact: Wauwatosa Police Department, Community Support Division. Please email PD-SpecialEvents@wauwatosa.net or call (414) 471-8430
• Fees and Deadlines: 
  •  Application Fee: $250 (non-refundable)
  • Extraordinary Service Fees: May apply if your event requires services beyond normal operations (i.e., measurable financial cost to service the event that goes beyond normal levels of service. 

• Application Timing: Do not submit more than one (1) year before an event, and no less than 90 days before an event.
• Hours of Operation: Special Events can be open between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 am.

Looking for Block Parties? Find them here.

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