Everett, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Article VII of Chapter 12 of the Everett Revised Ordinances governs pawnbrokers. Section 12-204 requires compliance with the article and Chapter 140 of the General Laws, and bars anyone from setting up or maintaining the business without it. Section 12-205 gives the city council exclusive authority to grant, suspend or revoke licenses. Section 12-206 caps the number: one license to each ten thousand (10,000) residents of the city, or major part thereof, as of the latest census.

Money terms are printed. Section 12-301 lists Pawnbroker at a $300.00 application fee and a $300.00 annual/renewal fee, expiring April 30th, with City Council renewal approval required. Section 12-208 requires every licensee to file with the City Clerk a bond to the city of three hundred dollars ($300.00) with two (2) sureties approved by the city council. Section 12-212 lets a licensed pawnbroker charge interest at the rate of 3% per month, bars any greater rate, and bars any extra charge or fee for storage, care or safekeeping of pawned goods.

Holding and sale rules are in Section 12-213. Unredeemed non-perishable articles must stay on the premises for at least four (4) months after deposit, and perishable ones for at least one (1) month. A sale of a non-perishable article needs a written notice sent by registered mail not less than ten (10) days before the sale. No article worth more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) can be disposed of in any other way.

Oversight is frequent. Section 12-214 lets the police chief, the city council, a person either of them authorizes, or a state police officer enter a pawnbroker's premises at any time. Section 12-215 requires an inspection of every pawnshop at least once every forty-five (45) days. Section 12-219 requires a loan book and a record furnished once a week, and Section 12-220 requires a signed memorandum to the person pawning an item.

Zoning also matters. Section 12-308(a)(7) says licenses issued under council authority are only granted to parcels in zoning districts that allow the use by right, with a special permit or as an existing nonconforming use, and Section 33 of the Zoning Ordinance lists Pawnbroker as a prohibited use in the Commercial Triangle Economic Development District.