Cambridge License Commission

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By: Special Acts of 1930, Chapter 121

Process Length: Approximately four to six weeks.

Fee: $175 hearing and advertising fee; $12.10 per parking space.

Process:

Step 1:

1. street name
2. number of entrances and exits
3. number of parking spaces
4. location of lights, if any
5. whether spaces are marked or numbered

Step 2:

The applicant must present all site plans with the exact number of parking spaces to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). ISD will review the plan for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. If approved, ISD will sign-off on the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form.

Step 3:

The applicant must submit a copy of the plans to Traffic, Parking and Transportation (TPT) to ensure compliance with the Commercial Parking Ordinance rules. If TPT approves the plans, TPT will issue an approval letter.

If the parking is for commercial use, the applicant must obtain a Commercial Parking Facility permit from TPT. The applicant must complete the permit application four weeks before a Commercial Parking Control Committee hearing. The applicant must attend the hearing, where the permit application will be approved or disapproved.

If the parking is for non-commercial use, the applicant needs the Non-Commercial Parking Space Registration form. The applicant must complete this form and obtain approval from TPT's Director prior to receiving an Open Air Parking license from the License Commission.

The applicant must submit the following information:

1. completed Open Air Parking License application
2. completed Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form
3. all 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

The applicant must pay $125 hearing and newspaper advertising fee. The License Commission will schedule a hearing on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month. The applicant must notify all abutters and those on the opposite side of the street. A list of abutters is obtainable from the Cambridge Assessor's Office. Abutters must be notified by certified mail, return receipt requested, within three days of when the legal ad appears in The Tab. The applicant must attend the License Commission hearing.

Step 5:

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