Cambridge License Commission

Photograph of Gas Station

Garage & Gasoline License

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By:Massachusetts General Law ch. 148 sec. 13 & 56

Process Length: Approximately four to six weeks.

Fee: $175 hearing and advertising fee. The license fee is on a sliding scale starting at $31.

Process:

Step 1:

The applicant must obtain and complete the application form and the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form.

The applicant needs a site plan on an 8.5" x 11" paper showing the following:

  1. the exact location: street address, nearest cross street and abutting properties
  2. size and location of existing tanks or storage, if any
  3. the tanks to be removed, if any, and the capacity of these tanks
  4. the location of proposed new tanks and their designated capacity
  5. the installation date
  6. the number of cars to be kept on the premises
  7. the exact layout of the parking garage structure
  8. the amount and location of flammables other than gasoline to be stored on the premises, if any

Step 2:

The applicant must submit the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form and the site plan to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for zoning approval.

Step 3:

The applicant must submit all forms and a copy of the plan to the Fire Prevention Bureau for approval or disapproval. It is advisable for the applicant to contact the Fire Department prior to going to their office. If approved, a Fire Department representative will sign all plans.

Step 4:

If the application includes garage parking spaces, the applicant must receive approval from Traffic, Parking & Transportation. If the facility includes commercial parking, a Commercial Parking permit must be obtained.

Step 5:

The applicant must submit all forms and the signed plans to the License Commission, and pay a $125 hearing and advertising fee. If the applicant is a corporation, a copy of the Articles of Organization and/or a copy of the Business Certificate or DBA (obtainable through the Clerk's office) must be included in the submission. The License Commission will schedule a hearing on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month.

Step 6:

The applicant must also:

  1. notify abutters and those on the opposite side of the street.  A list of abutters is available from the Assessor's Office (abutters must be notified by certified mail, return receipt requested, within seven days of publication of the legal ad.)
  2. attend the License Commission hearing (any citizen who is concerned about the applicant's proposal may raise objection during this hearing.)

Step 7:

If the License Commission approves the application, the applicant must obtain an approval from ISD's building inspector and pay the license fee before the license will be issued.

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