Search ▸ Agenda item attachment
A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a draft zoning petition concerning the regulation of cannabis establishments in the City of Cambridge in response to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-75
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 1 of 18
Add the following definitions to Article 2.000 of the Zoning Ordinance:
Cannabis Cultivator. An entity licensed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission as a
Marijuana Cultivator to cultivate, process and package cannabis or marijuana, and to transfer cannabis
or marijuana to other Cannabis or Marijuana Establishments, but not to consumers. A Craft Marijuana
Cooperative is a type of Marijuana Cultivator, pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000.
Cannabis Establishment. A Marijuana Cultivator, Craft Marijuana Cooperative, Marijuana Product
Manufacturer, Marijuana Retailer, Independent Testing Laboratory, Marijuana Research Facility,
Marijuana Transporter, or any other type of marijuana-related business licensed by the Massachusetts
Cannabis Control Commission, except a medical marijuana treatment center.
Cannabis Independent Testing Laboratory. A laboratory that is licensed by the Massachusetts Cannabis
Control Commission and is:
(a) accredited to the International Organization for Standardization 17025 (ISO/IEC 17025: 2017) by
a third-party accrediting body that is a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation
Accrediting Cooperation mutual recognition arrangement or that is otherwise approved by the
Commission;
(b) independent financially from any Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (RMD), Cannabis or
Marijuana Establishment or licensee for which it conducts a test; and
(c) qualified to test cannabis or marijuana in compliance with 935 CMR 500.160 and M.G.L. c. 94C, §
34.
Cannabis Microbusiness. A co-located Cannabis or Marijuana Establishment that can be either a Tier 1
Marijuana Cultivator or Product Manufacturer or both, pursuant to 935 CMR 500.00, in compliance with
the operating procedures for each license. A Microbusiness that is a Cannabis Marijuana Product
Manufacturer may purchase no more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana per year from other Cannabis
Marijuana Establishments, pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000.
Cannabis Product Manufacturer. An entity licensed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
as a Marijuana Product Manufacturer to obtain, manufacture, process and package cannabis or
marijuana products and to transfer these products to other Cannabis or Marijuana Establishments, but
not to consumers.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 2 of 18
Cannabis Products. Cannabis or marijuana and its products unless otherwise indicated. These include
products that have been manufactured and contain cannabis or marijuana or an extract from cannabis
or marijuana, including concentrated forms of cannabis or marijuana and products composed of
cannabis or marijuana and other ingredients that are intended for use or consumption, including edible
products, beverages, topical products, ointments, oils and tinctures.
Cannabis Production Facility. An establishment authorized to cultivate, manufacture, process, or
package cannabis or marijuana products, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations. A
Cannabis Production Facility may be licensed to operate as a Cannabis or Marijuana Cultivator or
Cannabis or Marijuana Product Manufacturer, or registered as a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center
(also known as a Registered Marijuana Dispensary or RMD), or both, in accordance with applicable state
laws and regulations.
Cannabis Research Facility. An entity licensed to engage in research projects by the Massachusetts
Cannabis Control Commission.
Cannabis Retail Store. An establishment authorized to sell or otherwise transfer cannabis or marijuana
products to consumers for use off the premises, but not to cultivate, manufacture, process, or package
cannabis or marijuana products, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations. A Cannabis
Retail Store may be licensed to operate as a Cannabis or Marijuana Retailer or registered as a Medical
Marijuana Treatment Center (also known as a Registered Marijuana Dispensary or RMD), or both, in
accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
Cannabis Retailer. An entity licensed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission as a
Marijuana Retailer to purchase and transport cannabis or marijuana products from Cannabis or
Marijuana Establishments and to sell or otherwise transfer these products to Cannabis Marijuana
Establishments and to consumers. Retailers are prohibited from delivering cannabis or marijuana
products to consumers; and from offering cannabis or marijuana products for the purposes of on-site
social consumption on the premises of a Cannabis or Marijuana Establishment.
Cannabis Use. A Cannabis Production Facility or Cannabis Retail Store, as defined in this Zoning
Ordinance.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 3 of 18
Amend the definition of “Registered Marijuana Dispensary” in Article 2.000 to read as follows:
Cannabis Marijuana Dispensary, Registered. Registered Marijuana Dispensary, also known as
Registered Marijuana Dispensary, RMD or Medical Marijuana Treatment Center , shall mean an
establishment properly registered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health a not-for-profit
entity registered under 105 CMR 725.100: Registration of Registered Marijuana Dispensaries that
acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes (including development of related products such as edible
marijuana infused cannabis products, tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells,
distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing marijuana cannabis products,
related supplies, or educational materials to registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers
for medical use in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations. Unless otherwise specified,
RMD refers to the site(s) of dispensing, cultivation, and preparation of cannabis or marijuana for medical
use.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 4 of 18
Amend Section 4.35 of the Table of Use Regulations to read as follows:
Res
C, C-1,
Off
Bus
C-1A,
1,
A-1,
Bus B,
Bus
Ind
Ind
Open
Res A
Res 2, 2A, 2B, 2A,2,
A-2,
Bus
B-1,
C,
A-1,
Ind
B-1,
Ind
Ind
Space
1&2
B
3, 3A, 3B 3,3A
A-31
A,A-4
B-2
C-1
A-2
A
B-2
B
C
4.35
Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishments
a.
Store for retail sale of merchandise 23
1.
Establishment providing convenience goods
such as drug stores, food stores, tobacco,
newspaper and magazine stores, variety
stores, and liquor stores. 24
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No51
Yes
Yes
2.
Other retail establishments
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
SP
Yes
No51
Yes
No
b.
Place for the manufacturing, assembly or
packaging of consumer goods 25
No
No
No
No
No
SP
SP
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
SP51
Yes
Yes
c.
Barber shop, beauty shop, laundry and dry
cleaning pickup agency, shoe repair, self-service
laundry or other similar establishment
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No51
Yes
Yes
d.
Hand laundry, dry cleaning or tailoring shop 26
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No51
Yes
Yes
e.
Lunchroom, restaurant, cafeteria 27
No
No
No
No
No12
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No51
Yes
Yes
f.
Establishments where alcoholic beverages are
sold and consumed and where no dancing
or entertainment is provided
1.
Lunchroom, restaurant, cafeteria
No
No
No
No
No12
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes28
Yes
No51
Yes
Yes
2.
Bar, saloon, or other establishment
serving alcoholic beverages but which is not
licensed to prepare or serve food
No
No
No
No
No12
Yes
Yes
Yes13
Yes
SP28
Yes
No51
Yes
SP
g.
Bar or other establishment where alcoholic
beverages are sold and consumed and where
dancing and entertainment is provided. Dance
hall or similar place of entertainment
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes13
Yes
No
Yes
No51
Yes
PUD
h.
Theatre or hall for public gatherings
No11
No
No
No
SP
SP
SP
Yes10
Yes
SP
Yes
No51
Yes
PUD
i.
Commercial recreation
No11
No
No
No
No
SP
SP
SP10
SP
SP
SP
No14, 51
SP
PUD
j.
Mortuary, undertaking or funeral establishment
No
No
No
No
SP
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No51
Yes
No
k.
Printing shop, photographer’s studio
No
No
No
No
SP
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No51
Yes
Yes
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 5 of 18
l.
Veterinary establishment, kennel, pet shop or
similar establishment 29
No
No
No
No
No
SP
SP
SP10
SP
SP
SP
No51
SP
No
m.
Sales place for new and used car, rental
agency for autos, trailers and motorcycles 30
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
SP
Yes
No51
Yes
PUD
n.
Office including display or sales space of a wholesale,
jobbing or similar establishment 31
No
No
No
No
No
SP
SP
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes51
Yes
Yes
o.
Fast Order Food Establishment
No
No
No
No
No
No
SP
SP10
SP
No
SP
No51
SP
PUD
p.
Deleted
q.
Art/Craft Studio
No
No
No
SP50
SP50
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes51
Yes
Yes
r.
Bakery, Retail
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No51
Yes
PUD
s.
Registered Marijuana Dispensary Cannabis Retail Store
No
No
No
No
No
NoPB58
PB58
PB58
PB58
PB58
No
PB58
NoPB58
No
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 6 of 18
Amend Section 4.37 of the Table of Use Regulations to read as follows:
Res
C, C-1,
Off
Bus
C-1A
1,
A-1,
Bus B,
Bus
Ind
Ind
Open
Res A
Res 2, 2A, 2B, 2A,2,
A-2,
Bus
B-1,
C,
A-1,
Ind
B-1,
Ind
Ind
Space
1&2
B
3, 3A, 3B 3,3A
A-31
A,A-4
B-2
C-1
A-2
A
B-2
B
C
4.37
Light Industry, Wholesale Business and Storage
a.
Assembly or packaging of articles 33
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes14
Yes
Yes
b.
Manufacturing, processing, assembly and
packaging the following: 34
1.
Clothing, but not the manufacture of the cloth or
other material of which the clothing is made
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2.
Food products, including bakery,
confectionery and dairy products
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3.
Drugs
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4.
Electrical, electronic and communication
instruments
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5.
Engineering, laboratory and scientific
instruments, temperature controls
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
6.
Jewelry, insignia, emblems and badge,
lapidary, scale models, dolls, costume
jewelry and costume novelties
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
7.
Lamp shades except of glass or metal
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
8.
Leather goods, excluding footwear and
saddlery
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
9.
Medical and dental instruments and
supplies, optical instruments and lenses
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
10. Paper and paperboard products 35
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
11. Pens and mechanical pencils
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
12. Plaster of Paris or papier mache products
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
13. Office machines, including cash registers,
computing machines and typewriters, scales
and balances
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
14. Umbrellas, parasols and canes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 7 of 18
15. Watches, clocks, watchcases, clockwork
mechanisms
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
c.
Bottling of beverages
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
d.
Distribution center, parcel delivery center,
delivery warehouse
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
e.
Laundry, dry cleaning plant
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
SP
Yes
SP
Yes
Yes
f.
Printing, binding, publishing and related arts
and trades
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
g.
Auto body or paint shop 36
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
SP
Yes
SP
Yes
No
h.
Automotive repair garage not including
auto body or paint shop 37
No
No
No
No
No
SP
SP
SP13
SP
SP
Yes
SP
Yes
SP
i.
Food Commissary
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
SP
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
j.
Wholesale business and storage in roofed
structure, but not including wholesale storage of
flammable liquids, gas or explosives
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
SP
Yes
Yes14
Yes
Yes
k.
Storage warehouse, cold storage plant, storage
building, but not including storage or bailing of
junk, scrap metal, rags, waste paper or used rubber
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes14
Yes
Yes
l.
Open lot storage of new building materials, machinery,
and new metals, but not including junk, scrap metal,
rags, waste paper and similar materials 38
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
SP
SP
SP
Yes
SP
m.
Open lot storage of coal, coke, sand, or
other similar material, or such storage in silos
or hoppers 39
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
SP
No
Yes
No
n.
Cannabis Production Facility
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
PB58
No
No
Add footnote 58 to Section 4.40, Footnotes to the Table of Use Regulations to read as follows:
58.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11.800, Cannabis Uses.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 8 of 18
Amend Section 6.36.5 of the Schedule of Parking and Loading Requirements to read as follows:
Land Use Category
Open Space,
Res A-1, A-2,
Res B
Res C, C-1, C-
1A, Off 1, Bus A
(Comm), Bus A-
1, A-2, Bus A-314,
A-4,Ind A-1, Ind
B-2, Ind C
Bus. C, C-1, Ind
A, Off 2, 2A, Res
C-2, C-2A, Res
C-2B, Bus A
(res)
Ind B-1, Res C-3,
C-3A, C-3B, Off
3-A, 3, Bus B,
Ind A-2, Ind B,
Bus B-1, B-2
Loading
Facility
Category
Long-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.2)
Short-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.3)
6.36.5
Retail Business and Consumer Service
Establishments
a.
Store for retail sale of merchandise
1) Establishment providing convenience
goods12
n/a
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 1400 sq. ft.
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 1800 sq. ft.
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
B
N4
N1
2) Other retail establishments
n/a
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 250 sq. ft.
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 900 sq. ft.
1 per 600 sq. ft.
B
N4
N2
b
Place for the manufacturing, assembly or
packaging of consumer goods
n/a
1 per 800 sq. ft.
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
c.
Barber shop, beauty shop, laundry and
dry cleaning pick-up agency, shoe repair,
self service laundry or other similar
establishment
n/a
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 1400 sq. ft.
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 1800 sq. ft.
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
D
N4
N2
d.
Hand laundry, dry cleaning or tailoring
shop
n/a
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 1400 sq. ft.
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 1800 sq. ft.
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
D
N4
N2
e.
Lunchroom, restaurant, cafeteria
1 per 5 seats9
n/a
1 per 10 seats9
1 per 2.5 seats
1 per 15 seats9
1 per 5 seats
1 per 10 seats
C
N3
N1
f.
Establishments where alcoholic beverages
are sold and consumed and where no
dancing or entertainment is provided.
1) Lunchroom, restaurant or cafeteria
n/a
1 per 5 seats9
1 per 2.5 seats
1 per 10 seats9
1 per 5 seats
1 per 15 seats9
1 per 10 seats
C
N3
N1
2) Bar Saloon, or other establishment
serving alcoholic beverages but which is
not licensed to prepare or serve food
1 per 5 seats9
n/a
1 per 10 seats9
1 per 2.5 seats
1 per 15 seats9
1 per 5 seats1 per
10 seats
1 per 10 seats
C
N3
N1
g.
Bar or other establishment where alcoholic
Beverages are sold or consumed and
where dancing and entertainment is
provided. Dance hall or similar place of
entertainment
n/a
1 per 5 seats
1 per 2.5 seats
1 per 10 seats
1 per 5 seats
1 per 15 seats
1 per 10 seats
C
N3
N1
h.
Theatre or hall for public gathering
n/a
1 per 5 seats
1 per 2.5 seats
1 per 10 seats
1 per 5 seats
1 per 15 seats
1 per 10 seats
F
N5
N1
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 9 of 18
Land Use Category
Open Space,
Res A-1, A-2,
Res B
Res C, C-1, C-
1A, Off 1, Bus A
(Comm), Bus A-
1, A-2, Bus A-314,
A-4,Ind A-1, Ind
B-2, Ind C
Bus. C, C-1, Ind
A, Off 2, 2A, Res
C-2, C-2A, Res
C-2B, Bus A
(res)
Ind B-1, Res C-3,
C-3A, C-3B, Off
3-A, 3, Bus B,
Ind A-2, Ind B,
Bus B-1, B-2
Loading
Facility
Category
Long-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.2)
Short-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.3)
i.
Commercial recreation
n/a
1 per 6 persons
based on
maximum
permitted
capacity
1 per 6 persons
based on
maximum
permitted
capacity
1 per 6 persons
based on
maximum
permitted
capacity
F
N4
N1
j.
Mortuary, undertaking or funeral
establishment
n/a
4 per chapel,
parlor
or reposing room
4 per chapel,
parlor
or reposing room
4 per chapel,
parlor
or reposing room
F
N4
N2
k.
Printing shop, photographer’s studio
1 per 500 sq. ft.
n/a
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 250 sq. ft.
1 per 900 sq. ft.
1 per 350 sq. ft.
1 per 600 sq. ft.
F
N4
N2
l.
Animal Services
1) Veterinary establishment, kennel
n/a
1 per 300 sq. ft.
1 per 150 sq. ft.
1 per 400 sq. ft.
1 per 200 sq. ft.
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 330 sq. ft.
F
N3
N3
2) Pet shop or similar establishment
n/a
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 250 sq. ft.
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 350 sq. ft.
1 per 900 per
1 per 600 sq. ft.
F
N4
N2
m.
Sales place for new and used cars, vehicle
rental agencies
n/a
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 1400 sq. ft.
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 1800 sq. ft.
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
C
N5
N5
n.
Office including display or sales spaces of
a wholesale jobbing or similar
establishment
n/a
1 per 600 sq. ft.
1 per 300 sq. ft.
1 per 800 sq. ft.
1 per 400 sq. ft.
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 670 sq. ft.
C
N1
N5
o.
Fast Order Food Establishment
n/a
n/a6
n/a6
n/a6
C
N3
N1
p.
Art/Craft Studio13
n/a
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
n/a
N1
N5
s.
Cannabis Retail Store
n/a
1 per 1000 sq. ft.
1 per 500 sq. ft.
1 per 1400 sq. ft.
1 per 700 sq. ft.
1 per 1800 sq. ft.
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
B
N4
N2
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 10 of 18
Amend Section 6.36.7 of the Schedule of Parking and Loading Requirements to read as follows:
Land Use Category
Open Space,
Res A-1, A-2,
Res B
Res C, C-1, C-
1A, Off 1, Bus A
(Comm), Bus A-
1, A-2, Bus A-314,
A-4,Ind A-1, Ind
B-2, Ind C
Bus. C, C-1, Ind
A, Off 2, 2A, Res
C-2, C-2A, Res
C-2B, Bus A
(res)
Ind B-1, Res C-3,
C-3A, C-3B, Off
3-A, 3, Bus B,
Ind A-2, Ind B,
Bus B-1, B-2
Loading
Facility
Category
Long-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.2)
Short-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.3)
6.36.7
Light Industry, Wholesale, Business
and Storage
a.
Assembly or packaging of articles
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
b.
Manufacture, processing, assembly and
packaging the following:
1. Clothing but not the manufacture of the
cloth or other material of which the cloth is
made
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
2. Food products, including bakery
confectionery and dairy products
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
3. Drugs
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
4. Electrical, electronic and
communication instruments
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
5. Engineering, laboratory and scientific
instruments, temperature controls
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
6. Jewelry, insignia, emblems and
badges, lapidary, scale models, dolls,
costume jewelry and costume novelties
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
7. Lamp shades except of glass or metal
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
8. Leather goods, excluding footwear and
saddlery
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
9. Medical and dental instruments and
supplies, optical instruments and lenses
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
10. Paper and paperboard products
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A.
N5
N5
11. Pens and pencils
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
12. Plaster of paris or paper mache
products
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
13. Office machines, including cash
registers, computing machines and
typewriters, scales and balances
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
14. Umbrellas, parasols and canes
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
15. Watches, clocks, watchcases,
clockwork mechanisms
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
c.
Bottling of beverages
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 11 of 18
Land Use Category
Open Space,
Res A-1, A-2,
Res B
Res C, C-1, C-
1A, Off 1, Bus A
(Comm), Bus A-
1, A-2, Bus A-314,
A-4,Ind A-1, Ind
B-2, Ind C
Bus. C, C-1, Ind
A, Off 2, 2A, Res
C-2, C-2A, Res
C-2B, Bus A
(res)
Ind B-1, Res C-3,
C-3A, C-3B, Off
3-A, 3, Bus B,
Ind A-2, Ind B,
Bus B-1, B-2
Loading
Facility
Category
Long-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.2)
Short-Term
Bicycle
Parking
(6.107.3)
d.
Distribution center, parcel delivery center,
delivery warehouse
n/a
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
1 per 2400 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
e.
Laundry, dry cleaning plant
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
f.
Printing, binding, published and related
arts and trades
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
g.
Auto body or paint shop
n/a
2 per bay
2 per bay
2 per bay
A
N5
N5
h.
Automotive repair garage
n/a
2 per bay
2 per bay
2 per bay
A
N5
N5
i.
Food commissary
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
j.
Wholesale business and storage in roofed
structure, but not including wholesale
storage of flammable liquid, gas or
explosives
n/a
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
1 per 2400 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
k.
Storage warehouse, cold storage plant,
storage building
n/a
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
1 per 3000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
l.
Open lot storage of new building materials,
machinery and new metals
n/a
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
lot area.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
lot area.
1 per 3000 sq. ft.
lot area
A
N515
N515
m.
Open lot storage of coal, coke, sand or
other similar material, or such storage in
silos or hoppers
n/a
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
lot area
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
lot area
1 per 3000 sq. ft.
lot area
A
N515
N515
n.
Cannabis Production Facility
n/a
1 per 1200 sq. ft.
1 per 1600 sq. ft.
1 per 2000 sq. ft.
A
N5
N5
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 12 of 18
Amend Section 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinance to read as follows:
11.800 MEDICAL MARIJUANACANNABIS USES
11.801 Statement of Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for the limited establishment of
Registered Marijuana Dispensaries for the medical use of cannabis products and Cannabis
Establishments for the non-medical use of cannabis products, as they are authorized pursuant
to applicable state laws and regulations set forth at 105 CMR 725.000, Implementation of an Act
for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana. That is the intent of this ordinance, subject to
state regulation, that any approved medicinal marijuana facility shall not physically incorporate
a future recreational marijuana facility within the same location to the extent permitted by law.
11.802 General Requirements
11.802.1 Allowed Cannabis Uses. Notwithstanding the use limitation of the base zoning district tor any
overlay zoning district, a Registered Marijuana Dispensary
(a) Cannabis Retail Stores and Cannabis Production Facilities shall be allowed up only after the
granting of a special permit by the Planning Board, subject to the requirements set forth in this
Section 11.800, et seq.
(b) Either Cannabis Retail Stores or Cannabis Production Facilities, as defined in Article 2.000 of
this Zoning Ordinance, may be established to provide cannabis products for medical or non-
medical use, or both, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
(c) A Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production Facility that has previously received a special
permit from the Planning Board only to authorize a Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall be
required to amend its previously issued special permit to authorize the conversion to or co-
location of a Cannabis Establishment for the non-medical use of cannabis or marijuana.
11.802.2 Licenses and Registration. All permitted Registered Marijuana Dispensaries shall be properly
registered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health pursuant to 105 CMR 725.100 A
special permit issued pursuant to this Section shall be conditioned on the Permittee maintaining
all required state licenses and/or registrations and shall complying with all applicable state and
local public health regulations and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations at all times.
Based on recent Council discussions,
the approach taken by this proposal
is to regulate medical and non-
medical cannabis establishments in
a comparable way through zoning.
Since state law allows
establishments to be co-located, a
straightforward approach is to
regulate the use based on the type
of activity rather than whether it is
classified as medical or non-medical.
If the Council preferred to regulate
medical and non-medical cannabis
establishments separately, the
requirements could be separated,
but it may result in inconsistent
standards or establishments needing
to seek multiple special permits.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 13 of 18
No Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued for a Registered Marijuana
Dispensary Cannabis Use that is not properly licensed and/or registered with the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health applicable state agencies.
11.802.3 Limitation of Approval. A special permit authorizing the establishment of a Registered
Marijuana Dispensary Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production Facility shall be valid only
for the licensed or registered entity to which the special permit was issued, and only for the site
on which the Registered Marijuana Dispensary Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production
Facility has been authorized by special permit. If the license or registration for a Registered
Marijuana Dispensary Cannabis Use has not been renewed or has been revoked, transferred to
another, controlling entity, or relocated to a different site, a new special permit shall be
required prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
This ordinance will be reconsidered by the Ordinance Committee if upcoming recreational
marijuana regulations created by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts impacts the location
and desirability of medical marijuana facilities, in particular the possibility of having a joint
location for both now allowed medical services and future recreational services.
11.802.4 Building. A Registered Marijuana Dispensary Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production
Facility shall be located only in a permanent building and not within any mobile facility. All
sales, cultivation, manufacturing, and other related activities shall be conducted within the
building, except in cases where or by home deliveries to qualified clients are authorized
pursuant to applicable state and local regulations.
11.802.5 Dimensional Requirements. Except where it is explicitly stated otherwise in this Section
11.800, a Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall conform to the dimensional requirements
applicable to non-residential uses within the base and overlay districts.
11.802.6 Parking and Loading. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 6.000 of this
Ordinance, the required number of parking and bicycle parking (both long term and short term)
spaces and the required number of loading bays for a Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall be
determined by the Planning Board based on the transportation analysis and other information
related to operational and security plans provided by the applicant. Except as set forth above,
In this proposal, parking, bicycle
parking, and loading requirements
would be regulated by Article 6.000
as with other retail uses. Article
6.000 allows parking waivers for
smaller-scale commercial
establishments. Dimensional and
signage standards from elsewhere in
the Zoning Ordinance would
continue to apply, but it is not
necessary to cite those
requirements here.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 14 of 18
all parking, bicycle parking and loading facilities shall conform to the requirements set forth in
Article 6.000.
11.802.7 Signage. All signage shall confirm to the requirements of Article 7.000 of this Ordinance. The
Planning Board may imposed additional restrictions on signage as appropriate to mitigate any
aesthetic impacts.
11.802.5 Cannabis Research and Testing Facilities. A Cannabis Establishment that is licensed as a
Cannabis Independent Testing Laboratory or Cannabis Research Facility pursuant to applicable
state laws and regulations, but is not authorized to sell or otherwise transfer Cannabis Products
to consumers or to cultivate, manufacture, or otherwise produce Cannabis Products that are
intended to be sold or otherwise transferred to consumers, shall be regulated within the Table
of Use Regulations in Section 4.30 of this Zoning Ordinance as a Technical Office (Section 4.34,
Item “f.”) or, if such establishment is noncommercial, a Noncommercial Research Facility
(Section 4.33, Item “c.”). Such establishment shall comply with all state and local laws and
regulations, including regulations promulgated by the Cambridge Public Health Department,
where applicable.
11.802.8 11.803 Location Standards.
11.803.1 Registered Marijuana Dispensaries Cannabis Retail Stores.
(a) Cannabis Retail Stores shall be allowed only by Planning Board Special Permit within the
following districts: Business A (BA), Business A-1 (BA-1), Business A-2 (BA-2), Business A-3 (BA-
3), Business B (BB), Business B-1 (BB-1), Business B-2 (BB-2), Business C (BC), Industry A-1 (IA-1),
Industry B (IB), Industry B-1 (IB-1), and Industry B-2 (IB-2) districts, and special districts and
overlay districts whose use regulations are based on those of any of the aforementioned
districts, subject to any limitations set forth in the regulations of those districts.
(b) No Registered Marijuana Dispensaries A Cannabis Retail Store shall not be allowed
permitted within one thousand and eight hundred (1,800) feet of another Registered Marijuana
Dispensary. Cannabis Retail Store, except under the following circumstances:
(i) A Cannabis Retail Store may be permitted at a location within the Business (BB) or
Business C (BC) district, or within a Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay district or
This list includes the broadest set of
districts where retail uses are
allowed. The set of districts could be
reduced if deemed appropriate by
the City Council.
This proposal would regulate
cannabis research and testing
facilities similar to other research
facilities that are currently allowed
in the city.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 15 of 18
Alewife Overlay District (AOD), if there is no more than one other permitted Cannabis Retail
Store within 1,800 feet of that location.
(ii) The limitations set forth in Paragraph (b) and Subparagraph (i) above may be waived by
the Planning Board if the applicant has been designated as an Economic Empowerment
Applicant by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.
(c) Unless the permittee agrees in writing and it is made a condition of the special permit that
all products offered to consumers shall be pre-packaged off-site, and no packaging or
repackaging of cannabis or marijuana products shall take place on the premises, a Cannabis
Retail Store shall not be permitted in a building containing a residential, institutional, office, or
different retail use, or in a building that is within 100 feet of a building containing a residential,
institutional, office, or different retail use.
11.803.2 Cannabis Production Facilities shall be allowed only by Planning Board Special Permit in the
Industry B-2 (IB-2) district, provided that the establishment is not greater than 5,000 square feet
in Gross Floor Area, and provided that the establishment is licensed as a Cannabis Microbusiness
if Cannabis Products are cultivated or manufactured for non-medical use.
11.803.3 Buffer Zones.
(a) A Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production Facility shall not be permitted within 500
feet of a pre-existing public or private school providing education in kindergarten or any of
grades one through 12, except where the Planning Board, in issuing a special permit, approves a
reduced distance upon finding that the location will cause no substantial adverse impact due to
site-specific factors or other mitigating efforts agreed to in writing by the permittee and made
conditions of the special permit.
(b) A Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production Facility shall not be permitted within 500
feet of a pre-existing public children’s playground, public youth athletic field, or public youth
recreation facility, except where the Planning Board, in issuing a special permit, approves a
reduced distance upon finding that the location will cause no substantial adverse impact due to
site-specific factors or other mitigating efforts agreed to in writing by the permittee and made
conditions of the special permit.
As discussed at prior meetings, the
Council could reduce the 500-foot
distance standard if desired.
As discussed at prior meetings, the
Council could reduce the 500-foot
distance standard if desired. As
discussed at prior hearings, current
drug laws impose stricter
enforcement standards within 300
feet of schools and within 100 feet
of parks.
The requirement for off-site
packaging is to control for potential
odor nuisance. In cases where the
establishment is sufficiently
separated from other uses, on-site
packaging could be considered.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 16 of 18
11.803 11.804 Application Requirements. An application to the Planning Board shall include contain, at
a minimum, the following information:
(a) Description of Activities: a narrative providing information about the type and scale of all
activities that will take place on the proposed site, including but not limited to cultivating and
processing of Cannabis or marijuana infused Products (MIPs), on-site sales, off-site deliveries,
distribution of educational materials, and other programs or activities.
(b) Service Area: A map and narrative describing the area proposed to be served by the
Registered Marijuana Dispensary and the anticipated number of clients that will be served
within that area. This description shall indicate where any other Registered Marijuana
Dispensaries exist or have been proposed with the expected service area.
(c) Transportation Analysis: A quantitate analysis, prepared by a qualified transportation
specialist acceptable to the Planning Board, modeling the expected origin and frequency of
client and employee trips to the site, the expected modes of transportation used by clients and
employees, and the frequency and scale of deliveries to and from the site.
(d)(b) Context Map: A map identifying, at a minimum, the location of the proposed
establishment, the locations of all other Cannabis Uses in the vicinity, the locations of all public
or private schools providing education in kindergarten or any of grades one through 12, and the
locations of all children’s playgrounds, youth athletic fields, or other youth recreation facilities,
with measured distances provided to demonstrate whether the location complies with the
standards of Section 11.803 above depicting all properties and land uses within a one thousand
(1,000) foot radius (minimum) of the project site, whether uses are located in Cambridge or
within surrounding communities, including but not limited to all educational uses, daycare,
preschool and afterschool programs.
(e)(c) Site Plan: A plan or plans depicting all existing and proposed development on the
property, including the dimensions of the building, the detailed layout of automobile and bicycle
parking, the location of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular points of access and egress, the
location and design of all loading, refuse and service facilities, the location, type and direction of
all outdoor lighting on the site, and any landscape design.
The service area and transportation
analysis were required when it was
assumed that there would be a
limited number of RMDs serving
large areas of the state; for a more
conventional type of retail use, such
information would not be required.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 17 of 18
(f)(d) Building Elevations and Signage: Architectural drawings of all exterior building facades
and all proposed signage, specifying materials and colors to be used. Perspective drawings and
illustrations of the site from public ways and abutting properties are recommended but not
required.
(e) Logistics Plan: A plan identifying the on-site or off-site locations where deliveries and
loading functions will take place and a narrative describing how deliveries to the site, loading,
and other service functions will be conducted, as well as a plan and narrative identifying the
transportation options for customers and employees, including public transportation services,
on-site and off-site parking facilities, and bicycle facilities.
(g)(f) License or Registration Materials: Copies of registration materials issued by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health and any all materials submitted to the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health applicable state agencies for the purpose of seeking
licensing and/or registration, and any certification or license issued by any such agency,
excluding any information required by law to be kept confidential to confirm that all information
provided to the Planning Board is consistent with the information provided to the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
(g) Host Community Agreement: A narrative describing progress that has been made at the
time of application toward establishing a host community agreement with the City of
Cambridge.
11.804 11.805 Special Permit Criteria. In granting a special permit for a Registered Marijuana
Dispensary Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production Facility, in addition to the general
criteria for issuance of a special permit as set forth in Section 10.43 of this Zoning Ordinance, the
Planning Board shall find that the following criteria are met:
(a) The Registered Marijuana Dispensary is located to serve an area that currently does not
have reasonable access to medical marijuana, or if it is proposed to serve an area that is already
served by other Registered Marijuana Dispensaries, it has been established by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health that supplemental service is needed.
(b) The site is located at least five hundred (500) feet distant from a school, daycare center,
preschool or afterschool facility or any facility in which children commonly congregate or if not
The need for service is no longer a
consideration at the state level, and
within this ordinance it is addressed
by the required separation between
establishments. Similarly, the
distance standard is covered in the
proposed Section 11.803.3 above.
Cannabis Zoning Amendment – Proposed Text Changes
Additions to the Zoning Ordinance shown in underline format. Deletions shown in strikeout format.
July 25, 2018
Page 18 of 18
located at such a distance, it is determined by the Planning Board to be sufficiently buffered
from such facilities such that its users will not be adversely impacted by the operation of the
Registered Marijuana Dispensary.
(c)(a) The site is designed such that it provides convenient, safe and secure access and egress
for clients customers and employees arriving to and leaving from the site using all modes of
transportation, including drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation users.
(d) Traffic generated by client trips, employees trips, and deliveries to and from the Registered
Marijuana Dispensary shall not create a substantial adverse impact on nearby residential uses.
(e)(b) On-site Lloading, refuse and service areas are designed to be secure and shielded from
abutting uses.
(f)(c) The building and site have been designed to be compatible with other buildings in the area
and to mitigate any negative aesthetic impacts that might result from required security
measures and restrictions on visibility into the building’s interior. For example, in traditional
retail districts, opaque façades without visibility into the interior should be avoided by locating
secure areas above or below the ground-floor level, or behind active, transparent ground-floor
retail frontage.
(d) The proposed Cannabis Retail Store or Cannabis Production Facility is not expected to cause
a reduction in the availability of cannabis or marijuana products to qualifying patients within the
city or neighborhood who are registered through the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana
Program.