The Town of Bernardston’s Adult Retail and Medical Cannabis Approval Process, aligned with Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations and municipal transparency requirements:
🌿 1. Local Approval Process Required Steps
| Step | Description | Fee | Deadline | Meeting Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site Control Verification | Applicant must demonstrate control of proposed site via lease, deed, or LOI | None | Rolling | N/A |
| Host Community Agreement (HCA) Request | Submit request with required documentation to Town Administrator | None | Rolling | Reviewed monthly |
| Community Outreach Meeting | Must be held in Bernardston with public notice at least 7 days prior | Applicant-funded | Prior to HCA signing | Flexible, coordinated with Town |
| Planning Board Review | Zoning compliance and site plan review | Varies by project | Prior to Selectboard vote | 2nd Thursday monthly |
| Selectboard Vote on HCA | Formal approval or denial of HCA | None | Within 30 days of Planning Board recommendation | 1st & 3rd Wednesday monthly |
| Special Permit Application | If required by zoning, submit to Zoning Board of Appeals | $250–$500 | Within 60 days of HCA | Monthly as needed |
| Final Certification to CCC | Town certifies local compliance to CCC | None | Upon request from CCC | Rolling |
🧑💼 2. Key Individual Involved
| Name | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Town Administrator | bos [at] townofbernardston.org (bos[at]townofbernardston[dot]org) / (413) 648-5401 |
📄 3. Required Documentation
- Letter of Intent (LOI) or site control documentation
- Business entity formation documents (Articles of Organization, EIN)
- Tax compliance letter from Town Assessor
- Draft site plan and floor plan
- Security and odor mitigation plans
- Diversity and Positive Impact Plans
- Community Outreach Meeting notice and summary
- Draft Host Community Agreement
- Special Permit application (if applicable)
📋 4. Application Criteria for Local Approval
- Zoning compliance (General Industrial District preferred)
- Site control and tax compliance
- Community impact and mitigation strategies
- Security and public safety measures
- Economic benefit to the town (jobs, revenue)
- Commitment to diversity and equity
- Alignment with CCC regulations and local bylaws
📊 5. General Scoring Information
Bernardston uses a qualitative review process rather than numerical scoring. Applications are evaluated based on:
- Completeness and clarity of documentation
- Community benefit and outreach
- Equity and inclusion efforts
- Operational readiness and professionalism
- Public feedback from outreach meetings
📝 6. Explanation of Approval or Denial
The Selectboard will issue a written explanation for each decision, including:
- Summary of public input
- Evaluation of zoning and planning compliance
- Assessment of community impact
- Rationale for approval or denial based on town priorities and CCC guidance
📚 7. Additional Information Required by the Commission
- Attestation of municipal equity compliance (per 935 CMR 500.181)
- Public posting of all required steps, criteria, and contacts
- Submission of equity plan and documentation to CCC
- Confirmation of compliance with buffer zones and signage rules
- Any additional documentation requested by CCC during licensing