Cambridge License Commission

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By: Massachusetts General Law ch. 140 sec. 22 - 32 & Cambridge Regulations

Process Length: Approximately four to six weeks

Fee: $175 hearing and newspaper advertising fee. The license fee is $24 for the first four rooms total and $24 for each additional room

Note: Applies to a residence where four or more unrelated people share a kitchen and/or a bath.

Process:

Step 1:

The applicant must obtain and complete the Lodging House License application and the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form. The applicant is required to submit plans designating street and number, the layout of each floor, and all emergency exits of the premises to be licensed.

Step 2:

The applicant will then submit the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form to Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for their zoning approval.

Step 3:

The applicant must complete and submit the following:

1. completed application form
2. the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form with ISD's zoning approval
3. all sketches or plans
4. if organized as a corporation, a copy of the stamped Articles of Organization or if organized as a business, a copy of the Business Certificate issued by the City Clerk's office

Step 5:

The Fire Department will automatically inspect the site based on the License Commission hearing agenda.