Westfield: Cannabis-Related Business Approval Process & Governance

The City has published all information related to cannabis-related business development in the City of Westfield on its website at www.cityofwestfield.org/145/community-development. 

Pre-Application Steps

1. Meet with staff in the Office of Community Development Department (OCD) – Contact Peter Miller at p.miller@cityofwestfield.org or (413) 572-6246 to request a meeting and learn more about the requirements and process for obtaining a Host Community Agreement. 

2. Research the Marijuana License Establishment process –Information about the application process for a Marijuana Establishment License with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission can be found at https://mass-cannabis-control.com/licensing-process/.

3. Hold Community Meeting – The MA CCC requires Marijuana Establishment License applicants to host a public meeting prior to obtaining an executed Host Community Agreement with the City of Westfield. Upon request, staff in the Office of Community Development can assist with generating abutter’s lists as well as provide contact information for area business and/or neighborhood associations.    

Local Approval

1. Submit a Statement of Interest to the City- Submit a complete Cannabis Business Statement of Interest to the City of Westfield. Staff in the Office of Community Development, in cooperation with the City’s Law Department, will determine eligibility to proceed. Pursuant to the requirements of 935 CMR 500.181, the City is currently (as of November 1, 2024) only able to accept applications from applicants eligible as a Social Equity Business (SEB) as defined by 935 CMR 500.002. 

2. File a Zoning Determination Form with the Building Department – A completed Zoning Determination form will lay out the local permitting process associated with land-use and zoning requirements. The Zoning Determination service is provided free-of-charge of the Building Department, and the response will list all applicable ordinances and reviews associated with your proposal. Generally, for a cannabis-related business, Site Plan Approval or a Special Permit will be required from the Planning Board. Additionally, if the development is near a wetland, flood plain or other natural resource, it may require review and approval by the Conservation Commission.

3. HCA Execution – Complete the Request for Statement of Interest for Cannabis Business Host Community Agreements and submit to Peter Miller in the Office of Community Development. Upon complete review through the Cannabis Advisory Team, a final Statement of Interest for Cannabis Business Host Community Agreements will be coordinated with the Mayor’s Office. A Host Community Agreement will then be negotiated with the Mayor’s Office and submitted to the City Council for its ratification. Upon affirmative vote from the City Council, a Host Community Agreement will be mailed to you. Two copies of the signed HCA must be returned to: City of Westfield, Office of the Mayor, 59 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Signatures required on the HCA include an authorized signator of the Corporation, the Office of the City Solicitor (as to form), and the Mayor.

4. Land Use Permitting – Following the execution of a Host Community Agreement, the proponent would then file a Zoning Application with the Planning Department. Cannabis-related businesses are allowed by right in the Industrial A Zoning District, unless such a facility is located within 500 feet of the lot line of any pre-existing public or private school providing education in kindergarten or in any of grades 1- 12; 500 feet of any pre-existing park or playground; 500 feet of the limits of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail; or within 300 feet of any residential district. In these cases, a Special Permit is required. Applicable regulation can be found in Section 3-130 and Section 4-90 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.  Land use permits are subject to all the requirements set forth in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A and the City’s Code of Ordinances.

5. Building Permits- Building permits are granted through the Building Department, located in Room B01 at Westfield City Hall, 59 Court Street.

6. Certificate of Occupancy – Certificates of Occupancy are granted through the Building Department as well upon satisfactory completion of construction in compliance with any conditions set forth in Site Plan Approval or Special Permit decisions.

State Approval

Information about the approval process for a Marijuana Establishment License with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, including information about the Provisional Marijuana Establishment License, the Final Marijuana Establishment License, and the Commence Operations notice can be found on their website, www.masscannabiscontrol.com.

Key Municipal Contacts

Cannabis-Related Business Documents Center

City of Westfield- Social Equity Plan

City of Westfield- Cannabis Business Selection Criteria & Evaluation Form

City of Westfield- List of Required Documents for HCA Consideration

City of Westfield- Cannabis Business Statement of Interest & Application

Host Community Agreements

Cannabis Connection, 40 Westfield Industrial Park Rd- RETAIL HCA

Clean Technique, LLC, 32 Char Dr- Product Manufacturer HCA

Hidden Hemlock- Cultivation HCA

Pioneer Valley Trading Co., 475 Southampton Rd- Retail HCA & Cultivation HCA

SafeTiva Labs, Apremont Way, Testing Lab HCA