Chelsea is expecting four recreational marijuana retailers to open soon, and the Licensing Commission is preparing to finalize regulations governing these businesses with a vote anticipated in early April.
During a continued public hearing on March 7, the Commission examined several key issues, including application fees, shop locations, and security protocols.
According to Commission Chair Mark Rossi, the regulatory framework should be ready for a final vote at the Commission’s early April meeting.
State law permits Chelsea to license no more than four retail marijuana establishments.
Before receiving final approval from the Licensing Commission, prospective shops must clear multiple hurdles. These include securing a host agreement approved by both the City and the state’s Cannabis Control Commission, plus obtaining any required clearances from the City’s Zoning and Planning Boards.
Rossi noted that the Licensing Commission would approach marijuana retail licensing using the same procedures it applies to liquor licenses.
An earlier draft of the regulations raised the possibility of limiting shops to one or two per voting district.
The City’s zoning ordinance already restricts marijuana establishments to three districts: Industrial, Shopping Center, and Business Highway zones.
By the end of the hearing, commissioners reached consensus that proximity restrictions between shops would not be imposed.
City Councillor-At-Large Roy Avellaneda supported this decision.
“I would oppose any sort of restriction on
the number of feet from one place to another,” he said. “We already have zoning
in place in the city and we don’t need to add another layer to that; we don’t
do it for other businesses.”
The Commission settled on a $500 application fee and $5,000 annual renewal fee for marijuana retailers.
Regarding security oversight, City Solicitor Cheryl Watson Fisher pointed out that the state already imposes stringent security requirements, and these are reinforced through host agreements with prospective operators.
Commissioner Roseann Bongiovanni expressed interest in reviewing the host agreements’ security provisions before the final vote next month.
“I don’t think security is going to be an
issue,” said Commissioner James Guido, noting that traffic concerns may prove more problematic.
Under the proposed regulations, the Licensing Commission will deny licenses to applicants who violated Commission rules within the previous five years. All licenses remain subject to zoning approval and state Cannabis Control Commission approval.
Fisher indicated that retail operations would be restricted to 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., with all signage requiring City approval.