Buffer Zones: Boston vs Chelsea
How do buffer zones rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston Zoning Code Article 88 requires cannabis establishments to sit at least 500 feet from any K through 12 school, measured property line to property line, matching MGL Chapter 94G and Cannabis Control Commission rules.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
No data available yet for Chelsea.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| State default | 500 feet from K-12 | - |
| Boston zoning | Article 88 BZC | - |
| Neighborhood spacing | 0.5 mile between shops | - |
| Local board | Boston Cannabis Board | - |
| Final licensor | Cannabis Control Commission | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Can a Boston cannabis shop be within 500 feet of a daycare?
The MGL 94G default applies only to K through 12 schools. Daycares are not automatically buffered statewide, but Article 88 of the Boston Zoning Code adds local separation rules the Boston Cannabis Board enforces.
Who measures the 500-foot distance?
The Boston Cannabis Board verifies the property-line-to-property-line measurement during siting review, and the Cannabis Control Commission confirms it before issuing a state license under 935 CMR 500.
Chelsea FAQ
No FAQs available.
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