Milwaukee County Parks (Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture), Special Events Office

Milwaukee County Parks Vendor Permit

MCGO §47.04(1) provides that no person shall sell or offer for sale any article, merchandise or thing, or pursue any trade, occupation, business or profession, "within any park or parkway, without the written permit of the director of parks, recreation and culture or designee". The county's Get-a-Permit page says a Vendor Permit "is required to operate a food and beverage, retail, recreational or other service-oriented concession" on Milwaukee County Parks property, and the Business Opportunities page names food or beverage trucks, craft booths and fitness classes. That covers a food truck or coffee cart selling in a county park, a retailer running a pop-up or craft booth, and a studio teaching a fitness or yoga class in a park. The base fee is published only as "various", with add-on charges for Parks services, cleanup and restoration, other county permits and municipal fees. Per the page's FAQ, a license or permit from the City of Milwaukee does not replace the county vendor permit, and selling on Parks property without one may bring "a fine and confiscation of your products and/or equipment"; §47.04(4) sets a forfeiture of up to $100. Applications go through the county's online form, linked from the Get-a-Permit page, at least 30 days before the requested date, and a certificate of general liability insurance of $1,000,000 naming Milwaukee County Parks may be required. Contact the Special Events Office at SpecialEvents@milwaukeecountywi.gov or 414-257-7275.