Installation of Parklets.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 115-35
in effect115-35. Installation of Parklets.
1. DEFINITION. In this section, “parklet” means a platform that is located in the parking lane of a street, is at the same level as the abutting sidewalk, and is intended to provide additional space and amenities for the adjacent business establishment and its patrons.
2. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. No person shall install a parklet in the public right-of-way without first obtaining all of the following:
a. A permit for occupancy of the public way, as required by s. 115-10. The applicant shall also pay the applicable fees and deposits set forth in ss. 81-83, 81-102 and 115-10.
b. Any applicable alcohol beverage license, as required by ch. 90, including but not limited to a permanent or temporary extension of premises.
c. A sidewalk area dining permit, if required by s. 115-32.6. If a sidewalk area dining permit has already been issued for the adjacent business establishment, the permit Work On Public Ways
holder shall report the appropriate changes to the permit or the plan or operation, as required by s. 115-32.6-5.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
a. A parklet may be installed in the public right-of-way only between March 15 and November 15. However, the applicant may petition the commissioner of public works for permission to install the parklet before March 15, but no earlier than March 1, weather permitting.
b. A parklet shall not project more than 6 feet into a roadway, as measured from the outside edge of the curb, unless otherwise authorized by the commissioner of public works.
c. A parklet may occupy only the portion of the roadway that is directly in front of the applicant’s property or building or, in the case of a building with multiple first-floor occupants, in front of the applicant’s portion of the building frontage. A business improvement district or neighborhood association may petition the commissioner of public works for permission to install a parklet in its defined district or neighborhood with the permission of adjoining property owners.
d. The parklet shall comply with all parklet design and safety requirements promulgated by the commissioner of public works, including, but not limited to, placement of wheel stops at both approaching and departing traffic sides of the parklet, a reflective traffic hazard marker at the approaching traffic side, and a reflective flexible bollard at the departing traffic side.
e. No building permit shall be required for the installation of a parklet.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH115.pdf#page=23Fetched: 10/26/2026