Cambridge License Commission

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By: Massachusetts General Law, Special Acts of 1930, ch. 121

Process Length: Approximately four to six weeks

Fee: $175 hearing and newspaper advertising fee; $10 for each driver record check; license fee for the first two vehicles, $121/year per vehicle. Each vehicle thereafter is $50 per year per vehicle.

Process:

Step 1:

The applicant obtains and completes the application form,identifies the name of the company, and provides a list detailing the number of vehicles, make, model and registration for each vehicle, and the name and address of each driver. A driving record check must be done for each driver, for which there is a $10 fee/driver.

If the applicant has an office or a garage in Cambridge, a Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form must be completed along with site plans or sketches designating street and number, entrances and exits, and a complete and accurate description of the premises to be licensed.

Step 2:

If the applicant has an office or a garage in Cambridge, the applicant will then submit the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for zoning approval.

Step 3:

The applicant must submit the following forms:

1. the application form
2. a copy of the Articles of Organization ( if the applicant is a corporation ) or a copy of the Business Certificate obtainable from the City Clerk's Office
3. if appropriate, the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form and any site plans or sketches.

The License Commission will then schedule a hearing. The applicant must submit the $175 hearing and advertising fee. The hearing advertisement will be published in the Cambridge Chronicle or TAB. The applicant must notify abutters ( according to the latest Assessor's list ) by certified mail, return receipt requested within three days after advertising, but at least ten days before the hearing. The applicant must submit certified mail receipts to verify contact with abutters.

If the applicant has an office or a garage in Cambridge, an ISD building inspector must approve the License Premises Inspection Approval form and all sketches or plans. However, if the applicant has a current Certificate of Occupancy, this sign-off is not required.