Cambridge License Commission

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By: Massachusetts General Law (MGL) ch. 140 sec. 70 - 85 & Cambridge Regulations

Process Length: Approximately four to six weeks.

Fee: $10 fee for the Police Record Check; $175 hearing and newspaper advertising fee; $121 license fee.

Process:

Step 1:

1. the Pawnbroker License application
2. the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form
3. the application for Police Record Check (there is a $10 fee for the Police Record Check)

The applicant is required to submit a 8.5 x 11 inch floor plan designating street and street number, and the proposed layout of the premises to be licensed.

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

The applicant must submit all completed forms, a copy of all plans, and a copy of the Articles of Organization (if a corporation) or a copy of the Business Certificate, obtainable from the City Clerk's Office to the License Commission. The applicant must pay $175 hearing and newspaper advertising fee. The License Commission will schedule a hearing on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month. The applicant must copy the ad from the newspaper, notify abutters (according to the latest Assessor's list) by certified mail, return receipt requested, and submit certified mail receipts to the License Commission.

The applicant must obtain ISD building inspector's approval on the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form. If the applicant has a current Certificate of Occupancy, this sign-off is not required.

Step 5:

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